How do you take care of YOU?
Recently a friend and I were talking about the stress she was dealing with as a result of recent illness, stress at work, and various family obligations. I looked at her and asked, “How are you taking care of yourself?”
Post conversation I started thinking about my own self-care activities – are they enough? Too much? Selfish? And wondering how others engage in self-care activities that truly nourish them – physically, mentally and in the soul. And do you struggle with the feelings of selfishness that sometimes follows.
Personally, I do not consider it selfish. Like so many others I know, I give in many areas of my life. Self-care allows me time to rejuvenate so I have something to continue giving!
So the question for the week is “How do you take care of yourself?” Share your favorites, the ones you absolutely cannot live without. I’m always looking for new things to try – burnout does happen! Below are my (current) top 6 in no particular order.
Morning pages – this morning journaling activity has been a saving grace over the past several months. And it’s helped me with all of my writing.
Meditation – immediately follows my morning pages. These 2 activities are as routine for me now as brushing my teeth. Together they provide me clarity and focus that carries me through the day. They have become non-negotiable.
Yoga/Exercise – though they serve different purposes, I do either some yoga or some exercise each day. There simply isn’t (always) enough time for both anymore.
Massage, acupuncture, and the like – though not frequent, they are part of the routine. Maybe once a month or once every couple of months is more like it. Friday I try acupressure for the first time.
Sitting on my back deck - my husband has created a beautiful and tranquil space in our back yard, which I love to admire from the deck. I write from there, let the 2 cats roam, or simply sit and spend time with my husband, Michael. It’s a peaceful place for all 4 of us, and it’s what made our “stay-cation” last week very enjoyable.
Connecting with others - whether socially or professionally, there is nothing that beats getting together, in person, with friends, colleagues and family. Times that I will always treasure.
How about you? What are some of your self-care activities? Share them they are an integral component to healthy living!
Hi Steph,
I also put morning pages and journeling at the top of my list for decades. Also I like to meditate/pray in the mornings and spend time in the jacuzzi wathcing the sun come up. Then yoga, walking my dog and exercizing. When I’m not as good at these I suffer.
Also for me…SLEEP has to take a big place on the list. Lack of sleep affects my creativity and my niceness. I am much more patient and easier to be around when I have had enough sleep. My nerve endings feel like they are short circuiting when I’m tired.!
Wow! I did my first yoga class ever today! I love the massage oh so much! I have never attempted acupuncture…I must add that one to my list! Meditation I am working on…Until today I can honestly say that I have not slowed down enough to think about this. Excellent post! Thank you!
Mark Salinass last blog post..MidWeek Challenge
Wendi: Am I on your mind? Do you mean Stacey?
stephs last blog post..Finding Your Voice – And Sticking with It
I love to have a bath, pamper myself with a good book or magazine…I have to get back into yoga but I do walk every day! I too love sitting in our gardens.
stephs last blog post..Finding Your Voice – And Sticking with It
@Wendi - Sleep, good one. I do get plenty, as I really suffer when my basic needs are not met! A jacuzzi sounds very nice!
@Mark Salinas - I already congratulated you on yoga, but congrats again! I hope you stick with it. Acupuncture is good, if you can handle the needles. I will report back on acupressure, which = no needles.
@Steph - Ha! I have been called Steph or Stephanie more than once in my life, it’s kind of funny because I do not have friends or family members with that name! I wish my bathtub was bigger - than my bath could feel luxurious, but it does sound very relaxing. Maybe I’ll do it anyway.
What a great post..thought provoking. My workouts are my ‘me’ time. I don’t ever miss a regular workout–it’s what I do to keep me on track. Life is very crazy right now and it keeps me happy and sane–knowing I did that one thing for myself.
Self-care is important, but I think it’s often overlooked. When I ignored it earlier in my life, I just wasn’t the person I wanted to be (in many ways). Now…I do better, but there’s still room for improvement.
A big one for me is exercise - in many different forms. Strength training is great, as it takes my mind off of everything as I focus just on that. Cardio is more of a reflective time (unless it’s interval training) - a good time to “think”.
Along those same lines - but slightly different. I like swinging an axe (chopping wood) or using a chainsaw (cutting things down). It gets me outdoors, and working. And, in a way, it takes me away from the modern conveniences of today - a nice break (and a good sweat).
I have done massage before, and find it to be very relaxing. This one, by far, feels like the guilty pleasure…
I’ve been meaning to try meditation or even just some quiet time in the mornings - another reminder here!
Ypu have a great list of ways to take care of you, Stacey. I’m getting ideas…and that’s good. Thanks!
Stacey: well, my tub is an old green one, though in good shape, so it’s nothing special and it’s certainly not large. But I’m petite and only 5′1″, so I can actually relax enough! Don’t forget the bubbles! They really do work.
stephs last blog post..Finding Your Voice – And Sticking with It
I love to sit back in a great chair I have right next to the window overlooking the Bay of Panama, open the windows, and read or fill out sudoku puzzles with a great cup of coffee. I also go to the gym five days a week and try to get a massage at least once a month. I’ve had acupuncture done, don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt
Marelisas last blog post..30 Tips for Getting Along With Others
A nice long hot soaking bath. But we just bought a salt water hot tub, soon to arrive, so I imagine this will replace the bath somewhat.
For both the Lion and I, going out on our boat. We don’t have to go far. Just down the river and anchor off in a bay, but as soon as we pull out of the marina we can both feel our muscles unwind.
Curling up in front of the fire with a book and an espresso.
Anything creative, like writing or scrapbooking.
@Steph - bubbles are a must for any bath - big or small!
@Marelisa - I love looking out on my yard, but water would be so nice, too. Your sudoku puzzles remind me that I’ve recently taken up the new hobby of jigsaw puzzles. Very relaxing! Acupuncture didn’t provide me what I needed…though I’m not opposed to it!
@Urban Panther - A salt water hot tub - I’m not sure I’ve heard of that, but it sounds wonderful. The water has that effect on me, too, a very calming one - whether on a boat or by the ocean.
This will be a fun list to create!
1. My weekly creative writing/art class (it starts next week)
2. Time at the Spa (massage, manicure, pedicure, etc)
3. My annual solo vacation (all by myself)
4. Painting
5. Yoga/Exercise (currently involved w/ Wii Fitness)
6. Stacey’s Night Out (every Thursday my husband takes care of my boys and I get to disappear)
Stacey / CreateaBalances last blog post..Backwards Sassy Friday