“Self-Care” has been a popular term in recent years, and now with our current pandemic, everyone can use some additional self-care to get through the weeks! As an introverted creative Muslimah, I find self-care is a cornerstone for me so I’m able to do creative work without burnout and sustain my interests. Oddly enough, sometimes self-care involves detaching completely and letting certain things just be as they are without overt control and somehow, I trust that I’ll find my way back to what matters again after a little retreat. So here are 11 of my favourite self-care rituals:

1. Chats and Walks with Family and Friends: A close friend is staying nearby and taking evening walks as often as possible has been a huge blessing. Short voice messages about our day, neighbourhood walks, and occasional hikes with close friends go a long way in feeling true connection and building shared experiences.

2. Self-Help Books: Any time I go to the library, I can’t help but pick up books on human nature, self-help topics, and productivity. At least one book from my stack will relate to my field as it helps me stay up-to-date on the current research even though I am not actively practicing. My current “field” read is called the Shame Factor and it’s an eye-opening book about the role of shame in how we show up in the world. Guilt and shame can often be confused but it is crucial to know the difference and differentiate positive / healthy guilt and shame from negative / toxic shame. Great read.

3. Journaling & Therapy: As a former therapist myself, I’m a big advocate for therapy as a tool to help us get un-stuck from old patterns so we can resolve our inner wounds and challenges without passing them on to our future generations. It’s not always easy to journal our deepest thoughts or seek help when we need it, but I really believe the benefits far outweigh the costs in the long run. I try to journal at least 2-3 times a week or weekly when I’m busier than usual.

4. Farmers’ Markets: There are few things I’ll miss more than the summer Farmers’ markets here in Canada and I’m so glad they go until October. The chance to see local businesses, new tastes, sights, and smells make it a beautiful experience for self-care on a Saturday morning. I enjoy getting a morning coffee and strolling through Main Street to see the different vendors and learn about local products I would’ve never tried had I not been to the market. I’m also obsessed with quaint old shops and family-owned bakeries!

5. Thursday Evening “Extra Ibadah Nights” : Since Ramadan ended, I am making an effort to devote Thursday nights for Ibadah, self-reflection and Qur’an. There is something extra special about devoting time for Allah (swa) on our own outside of any fard / obligation and making it into a personal experience. I start with my usual Isha salah and add on as many nawafil salah as I can, along with extra adkhaar, istighfaar, thought-out du’as, and salawat upon Rasulullah (saw). I’ve found great benefit in this and doing it consistently makes me crave the desire for sustaining this habit the following week inshaAllah.

6. Brainstorming: There are times when fresh ideas come naturally which is why I love having pen and paper with me wherever I go! The idea for my course came to me as I was sitting in a lecture and just from that little bit of scribbling I did in a notepad, I eventually completed the whole course. I start writing any new ideas and brainstorming my plans so I don’t lose the precious spark of inspiration. Brainstorming and mind-mapping are helpful in showing you how your brain is wired and what kinds of ideas excite you as a creative Muslimah.

7. 5 AM Club: The early morning hours are full of Barakah so I do my best to rise early at least 2 days a week so I can pray, journal, go outside, write, read articles, or anything else that feels right in that time.

8. Early Morning Walks: The mornings are cooler, crisp, and refreshing as the weather is starting to change here in Ontario. Earlier walks after the sun rises are like a balm for the soul as I hear the morning birds and feel the fresh air as I do my morning adhkaar. Just so special.

9. Watching something deeply moving: I recently watched a period drama called “Anne with an E” based off of the famous Anne of Green Gables and I loved how beautifully it was made and the touching storylines for each character. Despite some of the feminist undertones of the show, there was still a lot I gained from parts of the drama and several moving quotes I’m so glad I heard and learned from.

10. DIY Projects: Creating anything such as a new recipe, a mini art project, or a piece of furniture .. there’s a lot to gain from impromptu home DIY’s!

11. Watercolour: This has always been a favourite past time and I’m grateful for the many hundreds of Youtube tutorials for watercolour. One of my top favourite artists is Shayda Campebell on Youtube. I’m always open to trying different mediums to expand my creativity.

12. Instant Coffee: Who knew how much delight can be found in a simple packet of instant blonde roast coffee. It’s no surprise coffee is a catalyst for creativity. What’s your favourite kind of coffee?

I’d love to know, what are your favourite self-care ideas?