We all know the importance of self-care but do we actually practice it to be able to utilize the positive effects by doing so? We need to simply be mindful of your own needs, by doing so we are better able to support those that we care about. By taking care of yourself and removing the stress in our lives we not only are better equipped for our own happpiness and well-being but we are better for those we care for.
Some tips for self-care include:
- Do something you enjoy every day: Find a good book to read, listen to music, mediate, take a bath, practice Yoga, take a walk by the ocean, call a friend, meet someone for coffee or a drink. Whatever it is that you enjoy doing in your spare time. If you don't have spare time, make that time. It is important for your soul.
- Take care of your hygeine: This is important for your well being. Washing your hands after being out, brushing your teeth regularly is so important considering all the time we are spending behind a mask, Taking a regular shower/bath not only is for hygeine but to unwind and relax.
- Visit with your Friends: I don't know what I would do without my good friends. Find that friend that you can confide in and who can be trusted. There really is nothing like time with a good friend. To find a new friend consider joining a wine and paint night, a yoga class, a craft class, or another activity that you could meet new friends.
- Work on your Health: It is amazing what a good night of sleep can do for you. Exercise, eat in moderation, drink more water, take your vitamins, find ways to lessen stress, be safe, and make those medical appointments as necessay,
- Relax: This is the hardest of them all for me. I have a hard time sitting because I can't stop my mind from wandering to all that I should be doing. This has been my goal to schedule time for relazing during the days. Some ideas: take a walk, get a message, read a book, write in your planner, take a cup of tea out on the deck to listen to the nature around, take a nap. . Find some ways to destress. Your mental and physical health deserve it.
Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness
to ourselves that we would give to others.
– Christopher Germer
I would LOVE to hear the ways that you practice self-care so I can make a list to share with others in a future article with Macaroni Kid. If you would like to share please email me at jodil@macaronikid.com. Your name will be held confidential and I will only post your ways of self-care. With Mother's Day coming up we could all use this reminder.
