Women at the Well: Love Is the Answer - 40 Things to Do to Take Care of Yourself

And another massacre.

It's overwhelming. It doesn't make sense. People are exhausted, feeling helpless, and don't know what to do. There's a tendency to just throw up your hands and say "I give up" and want to escape to a deserted island somewhere or hole up in a mountain, away from it all. But few people can do that. You could permanently shut off the news, decide to check out and leave the problem for others, but that's irresponsible. Dragons need to be fought and hiding in a corner while other people fight isn't helpful.

But it isn't helpful to get overly stressed either. Even a knight or a warrior needs rest. So it's okay to get your rest so you can be refreshed to fight another day. And it's important to teach this to your children so they don't grow up to be dragons. Besides, it's one of Jesus's commandments. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Did you see that? He said that as well as loving your neighbor, you need to love yourself. So here are 40 ideas for taking care of yourself. It's okay. You're allowed.

1. Mediation and/or prayer. If the though of sitting and saying "ohm" bores you, then look up some guided meditations on the internet. I like The Honest Guys. They have a ton of different types.

2. Keep a gratitude journal or write gratitudes in your journal. There is something to be thankful for. Sometimes referred to as "counting your blessings".

3. Inspired reading. This could be scriptures. Or maybe writings from other people like C.S. Lewis, Maya Angelou, Marianne Williamson, and Max Lucado. Or maybe you're inspired by science or entrepreneur books.

4. Escapist reading. Go to a different place, a different time, and meet a bunch of new people. Whatever the genre the point is to escape. I like cozy mysteries, light fantasy, juvenile fiction, historical fiction, humor and memoirs. Maybe you like comic books, graphic novels, romance, best sellers, and Jane Austen. Read for fun.

5. Exercise. That's right I said it. Now you don't have to jog till you drop, although if you like that kind of thing, then go for it. But it could also be a walk, yoga, or a game of tennis or golf.

6. Treat yourself to a massage or a pedicure. This is not only luxurious, but actually good for you.

7. Comfort food. I'm not talking about eating a whole bag of cookies. But there's nothing wrong with occasionally ditching the diet and eating something that reminds you of good times. Maybe it's grilled cheese, or homemade bread. It could be your favorite dinner, or chocolate. It might be a dish that reminds you of your childhood.

8. Watch something funny. Even better - go back in time while doing it. Lucille Ball, Dick Van Dyke and Carol Burnett were masters at the funny. Laughter is not only escapism, but it's good for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

9. Call a friend, or one of your kids or grandkids. Maybe someone you haven't spoken to in awhile.

10. Spend time with a friend or family member who doesn't stress you out. Someone who just accepts you as you are.

11. Cuddle your cat, dog, kid, grandkid, friend, spouse.

12. Indulge in your favorite hobby. Maybe it's knitting, or baking, or taxidermy. Maybe you like to sew, or garden, or cosplay, or build things. Whatever your hobby is, as long as it's legal and doesn't hurt anyone then enjoy.

13. Take a leisurely bath, a long hot shower, or if you're really lucky, a soak in a hot tub.

14. Make a list of things you've wanted to learn and pick one. Investigate options. With the internet there are so many free resources. Or you could look into local clubs or schools.

15. Make a list of things you've wanted to do and do one.

16. Clean house or organize. Some people like to do this. Plus having a clean and organized environment is calming. There's something nice about slipping into a freshly made bed with clean sheets. Or cooking on a clean countertop. Or not having piles of laundry staring at you.

17. Write. Write a story, a letter, a blog post, a poem, a song, a journal entry, or your family history. Get your thoughts and feelings out. You don't have to show anyone.

18. Visit someone in the hospital, an elderly person, or a shut in.

19. Mentor a child, a teen, or anyone who wants to learn something from you.

20. Do something nice for someone. You can do this secretly. Sometimes that's even more fun.

21. Play a musical instrument. Get your clarinet out of the basement, bang on the piano keys, strum your guitar.

22. Turn on some music and dance and sing. No one is watching.

23. Grab some art supplies and just draw. Or get out a coloring book or a paint by numbers. Again, you don't have to show anyone.

24. Listen to an audio book, a podcast, or a radio show. You can do this while doing something else.

25. Light candles, put on some aromatherapy, play soothing music and do something relaxing.

26. Make plans. You could plan your week, plan your meals, plan your next celebration, plan a vacation, plan your dream house.

27. Go to a favorite place. I live near the ocean and that's mine, but for you it might be someone's home, the mountains, a coffee shop, the local art gallery, a nearby garden - the point is to get away.

28. Be a tourist in your own town. Go to a new spot. Explore your area. Go for a long drive and explore the next town. Go on a day trip.

29. Have tea time. A real tea time. Use a real teapot and the good china. Have crustless sandwiches and cookies. Wear a hat. Invite a friend (of any age).

30. Have an informal get together. Pot luck the food. Play games.

31. Play like a kid. Swing on a swing, go down the slide, climb the monkey bars, hang out in the tree house and read comic books. Play with kids.

32. Binge watch your favorite tv show or movies.

33. Play video games either alone or with a friend.

34. Do puzzles. This could be jigsaws, 3D puzzles, or pencil puzzles. I love logic problems but you might like word searches or crosswords.

35. Watch youtube videos. Stay away from the news and politics ones. You're trying to get away from that right now. Whatever your interest is, someone is vlogging about it.

36. Or you can do your own vlogging, blogging, or podcasts.

37. Immerse yourself in a project. Maybe it's been sitting around for awhile or it's something brand new.

38. Go to the movies or the theater. Often local community theaters have inexpensive shows, as does the local university. And the local university will often put on music series, or lectures.

39. Take out the pictures and old letters and reminisce. You might even consider scrapbooking them or documenting them in some way.

40. Naps are good. Or you can go to bed early. Sleep is not a luxury. You are not lazy if you need sleep.