In our winter issue of Island Scene magazine, we asked our team members to give us their favorite self-care tips. Since we had many good tips submitted and limited space in the magazine, we wanted to share more tips here:
Lisa Baxa, Island Scene magazine publisher and editor:
Be gentle with yourself
“Take care of yourself the same way you take care of your loved ones, including the way you talk to yourself.”
Get back to basics
“We know what we should be doing. Eat healthy. Be active. Work with your doctor. This is important, especially as we get older.”
Train your brain
“Look for fun ways to keep your mind sharp, like puzzles and games, volunteering, trying a new hobby, and connecting with others.”
Kathy Chang, HMSA director of communications:
Spend time at the beach
“The beach has always been my go-to place to destress and find a sense of calm.”
Walk the dog daily
“The dog loves it and I get some exercise in.”
Craig DeSilva, HMSA content writer and editor:
Lather up
“I moisturize and apply sunscreen daily.”
Self-dry
“I hang my clothes on a clothesline instead of using a dryer to save on electricity and use the free sunshine. It’s also a relaxing break/activity in my day.”
David Frickman, HMSA content writer and editor:
Hobby love
“Make time for a hobby that brings you joy and, most importantly, takes your mind off the issues of the day for a little while. I love to play euchre or do the sudoku puzzles in the Sunday paper when I need a break.”
Christine Hirasa, HMSA vice president of communications:
Calm yourself
“I love to listen to music and meditate all the time. These practices can help to calm the body and mind.”
Pamper yourself
“I love to listen to music, all the time. And get a massage, manicure and pedicure, and facials.”
Treat yourself
“Get that extra fancy gourmet coffee or tea, or splurge on something/anything that would bring you joy.”
Keely Kalama-Lakey, HMSA content writer and editor:
Gut check
“I ensure daily fiber and water intake since gut health relies on it and gut health seems to affect everything else.”
Get out
“I try to go outside, if I can remember to, and meditate as needed (but not nearly enough).”
Anna Koethe Pavao, HMSA director of strategic communications:
Get in the water
“Everything in the water is better. Whether it’s getting to the beach and swimming in the ocean, or just jumping into the pool, the water always seems to heal and soothe, and you have no choice but to slow down and breathe.”
Start the day off with a win
“This can be anything from making it to the gym before work, organizing one area at home or in the office, or completing one chore. It helps me get in the right mindset for the rest of the day.”
Michelle Liu, HMSA content writer and editor, islandscene.com:
Look at the ocean
“The vastness of the ocean is deeply calming to me. It reminds me of just how big the world is and helps put my problems in perspective. One of my favorite ways to end the day is to watch the sun set over the deep blue water; it always clears my mind and helps me mentally reset.”
Therapy
“My therapist has helped me learn how to cope when I feel overwhelmed, be more present, and gain a deeper understanding of myself. Being open and vulnerable can be a challenge, but she’s incredibly kind and understanding, and I know it’s all about bettering my mental health, so it’s worth it.”
Treat yourself!
“Sometimes, if I’m having a bad day, all I want is a sweet treat. So, I’ll buy one and walk along the beach. It’s a small and simple thing that makes me happy!”
Mark M. Mugiishi, M.D., F.A.C.S., HMSA president and CEO:
Weekend stroll
“I live in Kakaako, so a stroll into Waikiki and back is about 5 miles, which is 90 minutes of exercise. Importantly, it’s beautiful (because of the scenery) and interesting (because of the people). So, it’s both a good source of movement and an excellent reminder of why we’re lucky to live in Hawaii.
Binge watch original TV content
“My last two were Shogun on Hulu and House of the Dragon on Max. If you’re exhausted from the intensity of your work, there’s nothing like getting immersed in all-out feudal war or dragons laying waste to kingdoms to recharge your battery! Especially when the script is well-written enough that the character development captivates you more than the action.”
Summer Nakaishi, HMSA content writer and editor:
Read
“Last year, I made a goal to read/listen to 50 books for the year. Using an app to record my books has really helped me stay on track.”
Make a date
“A friend once told me to think about exercising as if it were a job – a must-do task in your daily routine. At the beginning of the week, I plan which exercise videos I think I’ll have time for, whether it be a 15-minute Pilates video or a strength-training workout. Having a plan helps me stay on track, especially on days where I am not motivated to move my body.”
Kristen Nemoto Jay, Island Scene magazine associate editor:
Unplug
“Self-care requires my full attention, so refraining from being online has been a consistent choice of mine when trying to unwind. It helps clear my brain, which tends to be overstimulated in general by the end of the day.”
Yoga
“Yoga has been my favorite form of exercise and mental therapy for over 20 years. If I’m able, I practice a typical vinyasa flow, followed by a guided meditation that I often find on YouTube or Spotify.”
Dr. Stefanie Park, HMSA vice president and chief medical officer:
Aromatherapy
“Clinical aromatherapy is an alternative medicine therapy that can be beneficial in the inpatient or outpatient setting for symptom management for pain, nausea, general well-being, anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia. I like it because it’s relaxing when things smell good. I diffuse oil at night to help with sleep, I use cleaning products enhanced with essential oils, and also use an essential oil-based muscle rub post workout.
Read
“Carving out time to read something inspirational, helpful, or entertaining is extremely relaxing to me.”
Courtney Takabayashi, supervisor and online editor, islandscene.com:
Pamper with the family
“I love using sheet masks because they make my face feel so clean and moisturized. So, whenever I use them, I apply them on my husband and child as well. They enjoy ‘getting pampered’ and I enjoy not looking scary by myself!”
Create café life at home
“While I drink a cup of iced coffee every morning, I love drinking tea to unwind. I’ll make:
- Lattes: Matcha latte (matcha powder + hot water + almond milk + sweetener), Earl Grey latte (Earl Grey steeped in hot water + milk + sweetener), and chai tea latte (chai tea steeped in hot water, almond milk, sugar-free vanilla syrup).
- Cold brew: Mugicha (roasted barley tea), and hojicha (green tea roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal).
- Hot: Genmaicha (brown rice tea) and regular green tea.
Read more about self-care
- bullet journals: creativity meets organization
- finding time to capture happiness
- how to have a joyful holiday season when you’re alone
- menopause: change is scary (but it doesn’t have to be)
- piecing together wellness and resilience in hawaii
- reconnecting away and within
- self-care for beginners
- the gift of self-care
