Having written about the need to be kind to others, I thought a companion post about being kind to ourselves was in order. To be able to look after others properly, it's important to look after ourselves physically and emotionally. It also helps us set standards for the way we want to be treated by others.
It's not always easy, especially if you've got lots going on. But it's a good habit to get into. It won't make problems and issues go away, but may make them easier to deal with.
Self-care looks different to everyone. For some, it's taking time away from devices. For others, it's a moment to themselves without the children in a coffee shop. For another person, it'll be getting outside.
Here's some ideas:
- A good night's sleep - an early night. Things usually look better in the morning.
- Making sure you drink enough water. When I get dehydrated I feel tired and cranky. A cup of tea and coffee are also comforting.
- Eating right. Filling up on nutritious stuff always makes me feel better and more energised. But a little cake or chocolate are also good.
- Having a wash may seem a bit basic, but it's tempting to stay in my PJ's and comfy sweatshirt for most of the day. Having a shower, putting on some clean clothes and a bit of make-up makes me feel better. It also avoids that moment when you realise that the smell isn't the cat's litter tray.
- Distraction. With a good book, a game, a film or an episode of a favourite TV show. Or a good tidy. Or putting some music on and dancing like nobody's watching. Going to find or make some fun. Whilst you're doing that, you're not worrying about that annoying piece of work or the huge list of chores.
- Simple pampering things like having a bath or a shower or doing a face mask.
- Treating yourself is a more controversial method of self-care as spending money to make yourself better can lead to other problems. But a small treat that's within the budget, that's okay.
- Getting outside in the fresh air, going for a walk or just standing in a field watching the sky is great. Other people go running in the fields or to the gym down the road. Bringing the outside in by buying some flowers or a plant. (I kill plants, but flowers are cool).
- Cooking really relaxes me. It's great to try out new recipes or new techniques.
- Calling a friend or a family member.
- Planning something to look forward too. I always find it helpful to have something to do and somewhere to go. Even if I decide not to.
- Writing down a list of things you love or are thankful for.
- Be kind to yourself. Instead of telling yourself that you're not that good, try praising yourself for who you are and what you do well.
- While being selfish in all areas of life isn't good, sometimes, doing things because youI want to - or not doing them because you don't - is okay sometimes.
Some people find it helpful to schedule self care tasks into their calendar so they actually happen. How do you look after yourself?
Haven't done a face mask in yonks! You've inspired me! #MarvMondays
ReplyDeleteGlad to be of service! Enjoy :)
DeleteGreat ideas here. I'm a big advocate for eating healthy food to make you feel better–of course with the odd piece of cake here and there! Getting outside for a walk is a big one for me too #bigpinklink
ReplyDeleteI love a good stomp around. Sometimes that's all it takes.
DeleteI am terrible at taking care of myself but I am going to make a conscious effort to spend more time taking care of ME! #mg
ReplyDeleteYay! Enjoy the me time. You deserve it :)
DeleteReturning from #bigpinklink
ReplyDeleteThank you for popping by twice :)
DeleteSome fab tips and totally agree with these. Everything looks better after a good night's sleep and I'm a big advocator of putting on nice clothes and make up when you feel a bit crap as this always seems better than slobbing about! Thanks for joining us for #marvmondays x
ReplyDeleteSometimes you've got to fake it until you make it and if getting dressed and putting your face on helps, then go for it.
DeleteA good gulp of the largest cup of water and a dance party to my favourite song always gets me feeling rejuvenated. If it's a really bad day, I head off to the nearest pool for a swim!
ReplyDeleteSteph
www.socialspying.com
I swim like a brick but I get the idea :) Doing something active and getting out of the house can be so helpful.
DeleteI find that hiking and tai chi really help me to relax and its great for the body as well. Some other things I do for self-care are listen to music, play a video game, or just write. These are some really great tips. I love just sitting down with a cup of coffee and chatting with my best friend as well. #mg
ReplyDeleteAll of those sound wonderful. :) Thank you for those - I've not tried tai chi, but my friend swears by it
DeleteI am struggling right now with a lot, and I really needed to read this today, thank you so much for sharing this with me at #mg and reminding me that it is OK to look after me. I think I can be so good at helping others and I forget that I matter at times. #mg
ReplyDeleteYes! This! Glad it helped. It's weird how posts sometimes appear just at the right moment that you need them. Enjoy some well deserved me time
DeleteA nice bath, an early night and shutting my eyes on the world around me is utter bliss sometimes! #mg
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. Enjoy it next time you get the chance :)
DeleteI know that mothers find it very hard to have 'me time' but it is so important for health and wellbeing. I loved all of your suggestions and a bubble bath is just bliss. #mg
ReplyDeleteSue from Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond
Self care is so important. Yet we sometimes forget to apply our own self care (mask) before helping others. #mg
ReplyDeletePassing by via #DreamTeam
DeleteTrue. We do. Thank you for visiting twice
Deleteso true - If we burn out how can we support our families and friends! I like watching films, seeing friends and walking in the woods. #tweensteensbeyond
ReplyDeleteSounds lovely! There is something about being out in the fresh air
DeleteSo very true Mrs T. Always good to have a reminder and as for the water. This is my bad and I just cannot help it ...... thanks for sharing with #TweensTeensBeyond. Lovely to have you here with us. Nicky
ReplyDeleteLovely to be invited :) Thank you
DeleteIt is so easy to forget about number one in the big scheme of family life and taking a step back and indulging in some self-care is a necessity in my book. In fact just today I treated myself to a full-on pampering session and whilst I could have just stayed in my athleisure kit, I did indulge in a soak and dab some lipstick on - for me not for anyone else! Thanks for joining us again. #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteWell done! If we tell our children to look after themselves, we need to do the same. (Show not tell)
DeleteI really need to listen to this right now as I seem to be spinning too many plates. There are some excellent ideas here. I'm going to try a couple - starting with drinking enough water! Thanks so much for sharing with us at #TweensTeensBeyond
ReplyDeleteIt's weird how posts seem to come along just at the right time to remind us of things. Glad it helped and i hope some of the ideas work for you :) Take care
DeleteI think self care is so important and this is a really lovely collection of ideas. Thank you for sharing with #bigpinklink x
ReplyDeleteGlad to help. Sometimes I read posts and their suggestions are so radical - radical is hard when you've got a full time job and a family! But small is doeable
DeleteLovely ideas - I don't drink enough water for sure but I know important it is! Thanks for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely comment and for hosting each week
DeleteI actually really like the idea of scheduling self care tasks in as I am always so busy and always end
ReplyDeleteUp leaving myself until last. Thank you for sharing these great idea 🌟 #mg
It does kind of end up in Tuesday is bath night territory, but if that's what it takes!
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