Taking Care of #1

I was participating in a group a few days ago, and the subject of Self-Care came up. This is such an interesting and important topic. Important, as taking care of ourselves, even in the smallest ways, improves our physical and mental health, increases our energy and actually reduces our risk of illness. It's interesting because self-care is something we can so easily allow to slip if we aren't careful. For women in particular, this is not only a hot topic, but it's often a neglected one. So....I was mulling it over this the next couple of days. Wondering if I do honestly make self-care a priority. Exercise and reading daily are a given. So that's something -- but how do I treat myself, particularly during stressful times?

Well, the universe is always looking out for us isn't it? As I continued mulling over what to write here, I happened upon another another blog where self-care was mentioned, along with a link to an IG account with a so many simple, quick self-love posts! Check out @iamhayleykaye for ideas on being compassionate to yourself plus a lovely 31 Days of Self Care image. What this reinforces is how some very simple thing such as doing a random act of kindness or taking care of a chore that you've been putting off (okay Hayley I am going to organize my dresser drawers - one at a time!) will recharge you. If it's not something you normally do, make a point to go for a walk in this beautiful fall weather! Really, stop reading, put on your shoes and go -- I will wait right here:).

If you find the topic overwhelming, or if you are in a particularly busy time of your life, this article from Southern New Hampshire University provides some super 5 minute ideas. Simply having a cry (if you need it), or a laugh (always needed!), or picking up litter on a walk will give you a little boost. It's a very good read - perhaps your first act of self-care could be to grab a tea and spend the 10 minutes or so reading the article!

Let's wrap this up circling back to "why". This is overused, but the "if you are on an airplane and the oxygen mask drops" analogy --overused but very true. If the oxygen masks drop, you must put yours on first, then look after your loved one or child. I have known for a long time that for me (a true caregiver) I have to look after myself if I want to continue doing the things I love to do for my family! When my kids were very young, running was my big solo, self-charging activity. Sunday mornings meant a couple hours run, chatting with adults and a coffee afterwards. I may have felt guilty going, but I got a sitter if necessary, left my messy house and off I went. Well yes, I definitely felt guilty but deep down knew this was a little bit survival for me. Most importantly, I would come home a happier, more patient mom. My young guys often said to people "our mom runs to get away from us". Well, sort of true, but I loved coming home to them after a recharge.

Life is so much simpler these days with an empty nest and plenty of time to do what needs to be done. Still it takes a lot of energy, so we need to keep filling up our own cup. During stressful times or periods where you have some conflict in your life, it feels even more difficult to think "what do I need?". However those are the times when that spiritual boost is critical. I suspect the best way to ensure you take care of you during good and bad times is to make it a daily ritual. Start today doing at least one little thing that will recharge your spirit. I love the idea of a task you've been putting off (I just checked 2 of those tasks off my list!) or picking up a few pieces of litter on your walk. (did that as well and it felt surprisingly good - like I was improving our environment in the smallest way). What are you going to do today? And tomorrow,....

I would LOVE to hear what your self-care faves are - especially the little things! Maybe I can add them to my list?

Pat xo