Taking care of yourself may not seem like a top priority, especially when you are busy nurturing others. But, taking an extra moment for yourself ensures you are not running on empty or boiling over like unattended spaghetti on the stove (when will I learn?!). Self-care does not have to involve taking a spa weekend or carving out hours away from home (although more power to you if you can!). Even the smallest acts of care can help add up to a more grounded you.
Here are some little ways you can take care of YOU:
- Take a 15-minute walk.
- Leave an encouraging note to yourself on the mirror.
- Take an extra three minutes to moisturize your skin after a shower.
- Burn a scented candle or defuse essential oils that make you feel peaceful or happy.
- Take a deep breath and remind yourself it WILL all work out!
- Brush and floss your teeth daily.
- Make a playlist of calm down music that you can turn on when things are stressful.
- Catch the sunset or get out in nature.
- Keep a hand cream in the car to apply at stoplights.
- Go through the alphabet and say one positive attribute about yourself for each letter (this is especially helpful to get to sleep when your mind is buzzing).
- Take prescription medications regularly and as prescribed by your medical professional (and don't skip those wellness checkups!).
- Make a goal to listen to or read an encouraging book daily (many library systems use the Hoopla app, which allows you to download five audiobooks, ebooks or music albums a month to your phone or tablet).
- Wear sunscreen.
- Cut yourself some slack. Sometimes we can be our own worst critics.
- Above all, when you’re keeping all the plates spinning, take a break and try to be in the moment with your loved ones. Go out and see your kid try that front flip on the trampoline one more time. Press pause and read a book together. Have a dance out in the kitchen. Go out for ice cream. Be together and remember what life’s really all about.
“Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.”
– Parker J. Palmer
