A few months into the pandemic, we got a subscription for the Raddish kids cooking kit. Each box contains three recipes, as well as cards with dinner-conversation starters, and it’s brought us such joy—I love our family cooking time! We also enjoy having family meal time and feasting on our work. —Jaspreet C., South Asian, Maryland
7. Play with puppies
I recently got a puppy which means more walking and more focusing on this adorable furbaby. My pup is teaching me daily how to be more present, and to just breathe. This calms my mind and gives me much-needed stillness. It reminds me that we are a part of greater, powerful things. —Edwith T., Haitian American, Black, Florida
We got a second puppy in the last few months and she had been the missing piece in our little family. We didn’t plan for her and we didn’t go seeking a new dog. We rescued her, and honestly, she rescued me. Having something to care for and nurture is everything when the world around me seems to be crumbling, and certainly on those low days where I can’t seem to care for myself. —Shanequa D.
8. Go on a fresh-air adventure
I’ve been a moped and motorcycle rider for more than six years now, and it’s one of the greatest joys in my life. Being on two wheels and just riding through the city or park, catching the sights and sounds of my surroundings, feeling the wind against my body—it really does give me a sense of freedom and control. —Diana R.
9. Find strength in the backyard
I know a lot of folks who love to garden but that has never been me. When I’m outside doing yard work, however, I find myself getting lost in my thoughts and being thankful for all that I have—almost like a form of meditation. Pulling out weeds, for example, is very peaceful. It’s almost as though I am sending out my intention as I pull them out—I’m visualizing my role as a reproductive health advocate removing unnecessary barriers to abortion-care access for bilingual and Spanish-speaking Latinx communities. —Zipatly M., Latina of Mexican descent, Georgia
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10. Rest and take things slowly
It sounds counterintuitive because we’re currently in a time where things are so frantic and urgent, but I’ve really been thinking about the need to build a better world piece by piece. I’ve seen so many reproductive rights and justice advocates burn out way too early in their careers (and I’ve experienced it myself), and I think taking things slowly, calmly, and thoughtfully can help in both fulfilling the needs out there, while also making the work sustainable. I’ve been recognizing my tendency to overextend myself, and I’m resisting the urge to do that more and more. —Kimya F., Middle Eastern, Washington, D.C.
I’m practicing hope by using embodiment as a tool for liberation. As rights are being taken away, it can feel like we have very little to no control of our bodies. Through the embodiment practices of listening to my body, pausing, resting, acknowledging the shifts I feel in my body, and bringing my attention back to myself, I remember the ways in which I am free. Specifically, as a Black person, it’s important to always remain connected to myself for my survival—and that also means not running my body down to a point where I can’t hear it or feel it. Rest is my birthright. —Sabia W., Black, Georgia
11. Play card games
I have been surprised by how much joy the game of Uno has recently brought into my life, which has translated to my energy being more positive. It’s also given me the mental space to be creative and hopeful in finding solutions and ways to combat the “garbage fire” we’re in right now. —Camden H.
12. Throw dance parties for one
I’m not a hopeful person in general, however, I’ve been working on keeping myself from falling into despair by having the occasional dance party in my living room during working hours. No one else is invited—it’s just me, Spotify, and my terrible dance moves. Music and dance make me happy; they always have. The world is able to fall away for a few moments; I don’t have to think about anything but the beat, and my body gets to move in the way it wants as opposed to the forced robotic movements required of the workday. It’s a short, stolen moment of bliss and freedom. —Kristine K., Black Caribbean, Washington, D.C.
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Source: SELF
