New West Anchor readers: how to love yourself

Editor’s note: if you haven’t had the chance to read this piece about self-care, I’d recommend doing so before delving into this one.

After writing last week about a piece on self-care—while using local options to do so—I noticed that it struck a chord with some of our readers. What’s more, they sent in some really lovely advice.

Part of the reason why I started New West Anchor was to create a space for us to lift each other up. While news is important, news isn’t everything in our lives—and I type this as a bona fide news nerd who loves covering municipal politics, tech, and health stories—to name a few.

Three people who submitted tips and suggestions have given me permission to share their responses with the rest of our readers, and I’ve laid them out for you below. Just a note that some of the submissions have been edited for clarity and length.

I take care of myself by guided meditations each and every day. This is the source of my inner happiness.

I also treat myself by going to my nearby ski hills and snowboarding there witnessing the beautiful views of our cities.

It’s my pleasure to promote meditation. This world needs it now more than ever. Meditation is a great way for individual and global peace.

I volunteer for a global organization that conducts meditation sessions in New West too, but mostly in Vancouver.

-Aneesh K.

Two of my favourites are a yoga class with Mary Vickars (yoga teacher) at Dancing Cat Yoga studio on 6th Street, and a facial or pedicure at Urban Bliss Spa in Sapperton.

-Tamara H.

You ask about self-care, I think following your heart and inner voice—which I ignored for a long time while making "smart choices"—is the best self-care, and then doing something that brings you joy.

For me, it's yoga followed by a delicious smoothie. Some might find that boring—personally I find sitting in a bathtub boring, so to each their own. Sometimes it's curling up with a good book, sometimes spending quality time with a loved one; time at [the] Quay is always good. In nice spring weather it's jogging and power walking in the West End and connecting with neighbours.

It's a tough world, but there are joyful options all around. And once we've filled our own cup a bit we can work harder and smarter to help others when we can. In summer it's gardening—I love growing veggies and use some in smoothies and veggie juices. Now a homemade V8, that is the epitome of self-care.

-Karon T.