break time: Zelma Stone
Break Time is a feature on TGE that explores how those in the music industry practice self-care. For this edition, we’re excited to welcome Chloe Zelma of Zelma Stone.
photo: Allan Wan
At this point in time, what are you doing to practice self-care? Do you find that it's difficult to feel motivated to take care of yourself?
During shelter-in-place, I find that I’ve had a bit too much access to my bed. I am a huge comfort queen and I love to sleep, but the more I sleep and nap throughout the day, the more down I feel. It doesn’t always happen every day, but I do try to make an effort to get some exercise whether it’s a run, longer walk with my dog or yoga taught by a friend. I recently discovered a belly dancing class on Tubi that is really fun.
Like many artists and people in general, I am prone to depression. With my “comfort queen” and “bed-loving” tendencies, it can be challenging to get myself outside even though I know that I feel so much better when I do. I try to remind myself of that feeling every day. Even writing this right now makes me want to move my body and exercise, so maybe I should journal more often!
I feel grateful to be in San Francisco right now. The Bay Area is surrounded by the ocean, nature and so many beautiful views. When it is nice outside I go on walks to Bernal Heights Hill. It’s pretty incredible to look at the city from above and be reminded of how many people are affected by what’s happening right now.
How did you find a self-care practice or practices that work for you?
Therapy has played a big role in my self-care practice over the years. I’ve been continuing weekly sessions virtually during shelter-in-place, which has been important to me. I really believe that caring for yourself is the first step to caring for others and our earth.
As an artist, it is an ongoing struggle to not put too much pressure on myself to be constantly writing, playing, creating. There has been a lot of talk of people using this time to make their “masterpiece”. I’m doing my best to avoid falling into that pressure. I think the magic for me happens naturally, not when it’s forced. That said, I am feeling pretty stir crazy in my house these days which has put an interesting twist on my songwriting...
When it comes to self care, what's your method of really taking that time for yourself? Do you put your phone down, step away from social media? How do you make the most of those moments?
I believe it is important to step away from screens. I have a complicated relationship with social media, and often delete Instagram from my phone for hours or days at a time.
Why do you feel that self care is important, and what would you say to encourage someone about looking after themselves, too?
Caring for yourself is so important and it looks different for everyone. If you are struggling to find motivation to implement self care right now, I find that starting very small and being extra easy on yourself is so helpful. I recommend just choosing one small thing that you can do for yourself each day, even if it's as simple as getting out of bed and stepping outside.
In addition to self-care, what music or movies or foods are you finding comfort in?
I’m drinking lots of water and tea, and have been avoiding caffeine for personal health reasons (it tends to have an overall negative impact on my body and health). I’m doing my best to eat healthy by cooking at home with nourishing foods. If too much sugar is around, I will most definitely eat it, so I’ve been opting for berries and dark chocolate to feed my sweet tooth instead.
Recently, I have been finding a lot of comfort in listening to jazz and bossa nova music. Specifically, I’ve liked listening to Stan Getz radio on Spotify. There is something about this music that brings me a lot of nostalgic joy. I think it’s because I spent a lot of time as a kid lounging on sofas and beds at my mom’s furniture store, and she played similar music there. A few other artists that I’ve been listening to a lot are Faye Webster, Molly Burch, Doris Day and Fiona Apple. Some local artists I love include Meernaa, Sour Widows and Mae Powell.
For TV, I watch The Office when I need a laugh. I recently watched Unorthodox on Netflix and really liked it.
What would you say just in general to encourage someone going through this time and feeling down? How are you getting through?
On days that are challenging or especially draining, I always feel worse when I start mentally beating myself up about things. We’re all just doing the best we can right now. The act of responding to these questions has actually been a really positive exercise because it has allowed me to reflect on things that help me feel sane and remind me that I love myself.