#femsplain
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Animation by Tin Kadoic
“It’s okay to have some help,” says FemsplainfounderAmber Discko. That’s why she created Aloe, an online community focused on self-care. She’s launched a Kickstarter project to turn Aloe into an app that will send “gentle self-care reminders from yourself.” Below, Amber recommends some soul-soothing books, videos, and Twitter bots, and shares her own self-care strategies.
What does “self-care” mean to you?
Self-care is taking steps to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. For me, self-care is disconnecting from the internet and doing activities that don’t stress me out — things that are soul-fulfilling or relaxing, like cooking soup or taking a bath in the morning.
What is the Aloe community? How does the app build on it?
The Aloe community exists on Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr. We share daily self-care reminders with our followers, things like remembering to have a sip of water or to have a snack around lunchtime. The Aloe app will do the same thing by sending these gentle reminders to your phone, making it easier for you to stay on top of your self-care tasks.
What is Internet Self-Care Day, and how can people get involved?
International Self-Care Day was on July 24, but we’re proposing a separate holiday on August 21 that takes the spirit of self-care online. Join us in celebrating Internet Self-Care Day by sharing your self-care routines and tips using the hashtag #ISCD17.
You can also tune into Aloe’s Internet Self-Care Day live stream on August 21 at 8 pm EDT for a lesson from a self-care specialist, a group meditation session, and more.
Five projects I’m into
Helloplant
Critical Chips, Volume 2
Since 1984: Modular Furniture System
Disabled People Destroy Science Fiction
Livesglass: Hourglass-Inspired Miniature Greenhouse
Page from Carta Monir’s RIPMOMin Critical Chips, Volume 2
Three books I’m reading now
Hungerby Roxane Gay
As a fat woman, reading this book feels like self-care. Roxane’s writing has always inspired me to keep learning about experiences beyond my own.
The Whole World Is Meditatingby Mu-Tae Seo
I found this in a pile of books at my therapist’s office. It has helped me find clarity and calm on so many occasions.
Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
This book is adorable and relatable, and so many of the characters feel familiar. For example, there’s a bee who doesn’t actually want to sting anyone, he just loves his family and wants to protect them.
Four Twitter bots to brighten your timeline
Tiny Care Bot
Emoji Meadow
Emoji Aquarium
Tiny Star Fields
FromTiny Star Fields
Three things to watch
Jenn Schiffer’s talk at XOXO
This presentation on how to talk to people on the internet, imposter syndrome, and trolling back as an art form has inspired me to continue putting things out online.
How to Paint Your Mind by Amelia Halls
Amelia uses art as a way of coping with her mental health and spreading hope to others struggling with mental illness. Her story shows that it’s possible to create something positive out of the bad days.
Pokémon Go (to Sleep) by ALB in Whisperland
One of my favorite ASMR videos. ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, and it can help people relax or fall asleep at night. It also helps people like me calm their anxiety.
Etc.
Animation by Sasha Katz
