Comforting Things, Vol. 6: Kara Thompson

“Comforting Things” is a series we started when we all reached out to each other, too angry and sad to do much of anything, and thought about what we could do to make each other feel better. We’ve kept on with variations of the series – “Comforting Films” being a fave – and we’ve decided to bring it back now, as we’re all confined to our homes and facing times that are not only destructive to physical health but to mental health, as well. Twice a week for the next few weeks, Attic writers and editors will take turns sharing what it is that they’re finding comforting in the time of COVID, hoping to create a better sense of community but also, in hope that you may find something that is comforting to you as well. In this latest piece, Kara Thompson touches on the importance of rituals and small pleasures in anchoring us at this time.

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All photos courtesy of Kara Thompson.

I always thought I was just a worrier but as it turns out, I actually have an anxiety disorder. Over time, I’ve been able to find things that bring me peace and comfort when my mind feels like it’s spiraling. These comforting things tend to be simple activities that help me stay present (which is not one of my strong suits) and focus on my surroundings. It’s harder now than ever to maintain stress and anxiety, but I’d like to share some things that bring me comfort during difficult times. 

A morning ritual

This isn’t always feasible (especially the day after my son decides to stay up until 10pm) but when it is, it is divine. There is something so comforting about waking up right as the sun is rising and taking some time to be alone in the morning, enjoying the quiet. My morning ritual typically starts with putting a kettle of water on the stove, measuring out coffee for my French press, and doing a few stretches while it brews. Sometimes I’ll pick up a book while I drink my coffee, and sometimes I’ll just enjoy the peacefulness of the morning and watch my apartment get lighter and lighter. As an introvert, these few moments alone in the morning are so important for starting the rest of my day. It’s also an easy way to get in tune with my body, spend some time enjoying the view from my kitchen window, and take a few moments of meditation. 

Baking

While I have never been much of a cook (my boyfriend is the cook of the family), I have always loved baking for its particularly soothing nature. I think my biggest problem with cooking is the feeling of being rushed, but with baking I can go at my own pace while measuring out ingredients and put my feet up while waiting for the oven timer to go off. My go-to when I need a relaxing afternoon activity is to bake a French yogurt cake, or gâteau au yaourt. As a dessert often made by children in France, it’s very easy to make and uses ingredients I often already have at home. My favorite thing about it is that the yogurt makes the cake airy and not too sweet so you can get creative with the toppings (I usually top it with berries and a dusting of powdered sugar). 

Cleaning

Okay, I know the act of cleaning doesn’t particularly spark joy for most people, but hear me out. My environment greatly impacts how I feel and it is so hard to relax when it’s cluttered or messy. Spending a little time to organize or clean significantly lowers my stress level, and what’s better than lighting a candle in a freshly cleaned living room? 

Walks

When I get overwhelmed, whether it’s due to work responsibilities, school, or just anxiety that sneaks up out of nowhere, I find myself feeling jittery and unable to sit still. These are the times that getting some light exercise and fresh air does wonders for helping me feel more at ease. Lately, I’ve been going on one long walk a day around the quieter part of our neighborhood while pushing my son in his stroller. I used to have to bring an audiobook with me on my walks in order to keep my mind from wandering back to all of the things that had been overwhelming me that day, but my son has really taught me how to just focus on the small details of my surroundings. While we walk, he will often point out the colors of flowers that we pass or talk about the sunshine. My favorite is when he points to a tree covered in pink blossoms and says “it’s just like a ballerina.” Now, even when I walk alone, I find so much comfort in staying present and truly enjoying everything around me. 

Getting lost in a story

I have always loved stories and when staying present is just not an option, getting lost in a fictional world is the easiest way I find to get relief in particularly stressful times (needless to say, I have been doing this a lot lately). Work and school is already a lot of pressure without the addition of everything else going on in the world currently, but I find so much comfort in opening a book or turning on the TV at the end of the day and escaping for a while. Currently, I have been reading Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen novels are incredibly comforting to me right now) and watching episodes of Poldark on Masterpiece. 

I think the most important thing we can do right now (other than stay home)  is to just be gentle with  ourselves. We don’t need to always be productive, it’s just as important to listen to our bodies and do what we can to stay happy and healthy. 

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Kara Thompson is a student in Portland, Oregon working on her MAT at Lewis & Clark College in hopes of teaching high school English in the near future. When she’s not in class or spending time with her 2-year-old son, she can be found reading in a cafe or watching period dramas with a cup of tea.