We need two tools to begin. A scheduler and a bulletin board. You can use all, one or none of my suggestions below. You can start with one and change to another. These tools are needed, but don't waste a lot of your time looking for something perfect.
For a scheduler, I uses Cozi and Astrid Tasks, but you can use whatever app, calendar or day planner you would like.
For a bulletin board, I use Pinterest. If you don't want to use Pinterest, you can use a cork board, your fridge, a sketch book or a wall.
Heeeerrreee weeee gooooooo! Where we'll stop nobody knows!
Self-Care
First thing we are going to do is make time to care for our self, this is our first priority. Always. We need not feel guilty or conflicted. We need not be a martyr. But I have children/husband/career/turtle, you may be thinking. We can trust ourselves to love our self first and know our love for the rest the world will fall into place, naturally. We will take care of our children/husband/career/turtle out of love, not obligation, when we love our self first.
We are often raised with unhealthy ideas of how to self-care. Myself, it's food. I have used food to celebrate and commiserate most of my life. It has been my go-to self-care tool for just about every wonderful, horrible and boring thing life could throw at me.
Whatever your personal con-game, it's time to evolve. Our first step toward healthy self-care is to do something that feels good to you. Everyday.
Uh huh.
Where's the big BUT you ask?
BUT it should not involve food, money, drugs or electronics. ::gasp::
What does that leave? A hot bath, paint your nails, take a nap, knit, get a full 8 hours of sleep, take a walk, trade foot rubs with a friend, stare out a window, sketch, play with your dog, make a craft, light candles. Got the idea? Pick self-care acts that interest you - these will call to you and cause a little spark of longing in your soul. For more ideas, check out my Self-Care Pinterest Board. Then add your favorites and own ideas to your board.
How long should we self-care each day? It's doesn't matter, so long as we give yourselves fully to it when the time comes. Put a reminder to-do daily self-care in your scheduler.
Why do this? This will, over time, teach us healthy ways to care for ourself. One day, before you know it, you will come home from a hard day to choose a hot bath with candles instead of ordering a pizza; or start knitting instead of picking a fight with your spouse; or sit down sit own with a book instead of catering to others who can cater to themselves. Instead of being sucked into hours of Facebook, your self will call to you for something more. It will happen, your brain will start to appreciate healthy self-care more than deprecating acts because healthy self-care doesn't leave you with regrets.
Be careful,
Dawn
© Photography & Writing - All Rights Dawn Marie Howard
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
