Masks have been in vogue for longer than you think.
On Purim, one is instructed to wear costumes to mask their identity from others –– like Esther hiding her religious identity from King Ahasverus. Balancing different parts of ourselves for different circumstances, however, is a fact of life; still, it can be exhausting. We need to take the time to perform self-care when we have the chance, so why not try some fun, holiday-themed self-care routines?
Create DIY Groggers
A fun activity for many ages: Make groggers out of pasta boxes or other items around your house and create music. Improvisational music playing has the power to heal anxiety and depression (Psychology of Well-Being).
Bake Hamentashens
Baking appeals to all of the five senses and in turn signals your brain to release endorphins, a feel-good hormone. Unfortunately, sugar has been linked to higher levels of anxiety (Healthline). Therefore, we need to remember to maintain a balance between tasty and healthy. Fortunately, Purim’s pastry is both easy to bake and healthy. We have a great recipe for you to try.
Matanot Levyonim (Gifts to the Less Fortunate)
One of the mitzvot of Purim is giving charity and helping others help you. Volunteering has been proven to lower depression; moreover, a positive correlation exists between generosity and happiness (Psychology Today). Donate your time or money to those in need.
וְחַיָּב לְחַלֵּק לָעֲנִיִּים בְּיוֹם הַפּוּרִים. אֵין פּוֹחֲתִין מִשְּׁנֵי עֲנִיִּים נוֹתֵן לְכָל אֶחָד מַתָּנָה אַחַת אוֹ מָעוֹת אוֹ מִינֵי תַּבְשִׁיל אוֹ מִינֵי אֳכָלִין שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (אסתר ט כב) "וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים", שְׁתֵּי מַתָּנוֹת לִשְׁנֵי עֲנִיִּים. וְאֵין מְדַקְדְּקִין בִּמְעוֹת פּוּרִים אֶלָּא כָּל הַפּוֹשֵׁט יָדוֹ לִטּל נוֹתְנִין לוֹ. וְאֵין מְשַׁנִּין מָעוֹת פּוּרִים לִצְדָקָה אַחֶרֶת:
One is obligated to distribute charity to the poor on the day of Purim. At the very least, to give each of two poor people one present, be it money, cooked dishes, or other foods, as implied by Esther 9:22 "gifts to the poor" - i.e., two gifts to two poor people.We should not be discriminating in selecting the recipients of these Purim gifts. Instead, one should give to whomever stretches out his hand. Money given to be distributed on Purim should not be used for other charitable purposes.
Set Boundaries
Take after Mordecai — Megillat Esther’s steadfast hero — and set boundaries with the people in your lives. Setting boundaries stops us from crossing our limits. Learn to say “no” when you need to, and learn how to accept “no” as an answer from others.
To learn more about Mordecai and setting boundaries, check out one of our other Purim resources.
Listen to Music
Purim is a party, and no party is complete without music. Music therapy has been proven to improve one’s quality of life (Harvard). Whether you listen to vinyl records or Spotify, now is a great time to play your favorite tunes.
Prepare a Purim Meal
Having home-cooked meals ready for each day reduces anxiety and keeps you from eating unhealthy foods (Aetna). However, being too strict on yourself, e.g., not allowing yourself to eat anything other than what you prepped for the week or forcing yourself to prep meals every week, can be more detrimental to your mental health. Prepare healthy meals, but be flexible.
כֵּיצַד חוֹבַת סְעֻדָּה זוֹ. שֶׁיֹּאכַל בָּשָׂר וִיתַקֵּן סְעֻדָּה נָאָה כְּפִי אֲשֶׁר תִּמְצָא יָדוֹ.
What is the nature of our obligation for this feast? A person should eat meat and prepare as attractive a feast as his means permit.
Do a Mindfulness Meditation
Meditation has infinite benefits. Taking 10 minutes for yourself every day to reflect, heal and/or write can improve anything from your mood to your physical health. Watch this 10-minute guided meditation video.
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