Who says that Self care is just for Sundays?
In this week’s Episode of Micro Mondays I’m sharing 10 ideas for your self-care toolbox to use in daily life that don’t include a pampering session. I’m going deeper than our normal ideas of what self-care is.
You can listen to the full Podcast Episode
Saturdays are my long run days. I’ve been running with my Saturday Sisters for 12 years and although I’m now living on the Gold Coast, I still get up at 4am each Saturday, drive for 1 hour, run, enjoy a social breakfast post run and then drive home. It is my choice to do this and normally I look forward to seeing my friends and being physically active.
BUT
This week I decided not to go. I had had a huge week – a podcast interview, a day trip with Mr M, two days with my grandsons in Brisbane and taking 3 Group Fitness sessions in the Strong Healthy Women Virtual Studio. All of these things I enjoyed doing but combined in the one week was full on. By Friday night my body was telling me I needed to rest.
In the past I would have pushed through and felt guilty if I cancelled my run. Sometimes we fight against what our body is telling us and that’s not healthy. However, in living my WOTY which is ‘BE’, I needed to listen to my body and BE reasonable, BE self aware and BE less rigid in my thinking.
Now what has that got to do with Self Care and Sundays?
Self Care isn’t just for Sundays and it is more than a pampering session (although we all need a pampering session).
Self care is about taking care of your mind, body and spirit each day. Self care comes in many forms.
It’s about carving out time for yourself.
It’s about listening to your body and what it needs right now.
It’s about listening to what your mind and spirit need right now.
It’s about You and what you need right now.
In that moment on Friday evening, I knew I needed a day to relax.
I need to listen to myself, my inner voice, my deep energy. I need to be with me. It is that simple and that authentic.
Marie, member of the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group
10 self-care ideas that don’t include a pampering session
A pampering session is wonderful and definitely should be in your ‘self-care’ toolbox. I believe that Self-Care is so much more than this. I could keep writing ideas but here are 10 to get you started.
- Creating boundaries – having control over when you say ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ without the guilt
- Letting go of relationships that aren’t serving you well and spending time with friends and family who are loving and supportive.
- Moving your body daily
- Eating nutritious food to fuel your body
- Clearing your mind
- Enjoying the moment – finding joy in the small things.
- Knowing what medical screening you need and making the appointment
- Spending time in Nature and Sunshine
- Getting enough sleep
- Defining what you want from life and start living life your way
When making a decision, ask yourself – if I am loving towards myself, what will I do?
Shan member of the Women Living Well After 50 Facebook Group
What’s in your ‘self-care’ toolbox to ensure you are healthy in mind, body and spirit?
18 Comments
HI, Sue – Your ‘Self-Care List’ is filled with excellent ideas. Although some of them may seem difficult at first (like, boundaries) they really are essential. I’d also add Drinking Plenty of Water to the list. As simple as this one sounds, it is the one that I tend to neglect most often.
I am so glad that you listened to your body and gave yourself the time-out that you needed!
Hi Donna, yes Water and staying hydrated are forms of self-care. Thanks for sharing your tip with me. xx
As a non natural exerciser, I have found #3 is the quickest way for me to lift my mood or energise me when I’m feeling flat. Good list.
Hi Lydia, I agree, just moving makes you feel good and it doesn’t matter what type of movement. You have a mindset shift when you move your body. Enjoy your week. x
Hi Sue – those points are all spot on – I’m a big fan of boundaries and distancing myself from people who don’t have my best interests at heart. When you surround yourself with good people it just brings so much joy and peace into your life. I’m also missing my walks atm due to hip pain – but I fully intend to get on top of it by hook or by crook so I can have my morning quiet times back again. x
Hi Leanne, I hope your hip pain improves as I know you enjoyed walking around the lake where you live. Take care. xx
Listening to your podcast as I read through some blogs Sue :). You made a great decision to rest your body after a big week. Your 10 ideas are all perfect, as is Donna’s drinking water comment. I know I often don’t drink enough water when my body needs it! Thanks for the ideas.
Hi Deb, I’m guilty of not drinking enough water and if I have a headache it is usually due to dehydration. Thanks for listening and mutli-tasking at the same time! x
Hi Sue. When I saw your topic my first thought was that I really should do more for self care. However on reading your list, I realised that I have incorporated all ten into my life and they have now become habits. Great post. I will lusten to the podcast
I think most of us are incorporating the 10 self care tips I mentioned, although sometimes we don’t realise it. Enjoy your weekend, Jen. x
I think this is a great reminder to us all, thanks Sue. I find (have found!) it hard to let go of what I plan/commit to, but last year my body did it for me too. IBS and getting a virus that could have been covid were enough for me to say “no thanks” to quite a bit I had planned. Since the beginning of February I am now keeping this month commitment free (except for anything health wise, family and relationship wise) and today I enjoyed a coffee, a sweet treat then a walk along a new place to me where I pondered nature and its meaning and effects on us all. Thank you for sharing Your blog post linked for #LifeThisWeek. I look forward to seeing you again when you next link up! Warm wishes. Denyse.
Oh Denyse, you really did have it all at the end of last year, didn’t you? I’m trying to reduce commitments and having days where Mike and I can just do what we feel like with no plans. It takes some getting used to but it really does help us to relax and enjoy time together. x
Hi Sue, These 10 ideas are excellent. I’ve incorporated them in my life and continue to maintain them. I have one day a week, usually Sunday, when I have nothing planned and just go with how I feel. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Thanks Natalie for hosting the coffee share and it is a way for us to stay in touch. x
I use these tips not just on Sundays but also on sick days from work. I hate being in bed all day and sometimes reading would get dull, the quickest way for pick-me-up is to walk my dogs around the neighborhood. They’re all for it too!
I agree Julie, that a great pick-me-up is moving – there are both physical and mental benefits to getting out and about. x
I love your list Sue! It’s so true. I think we need to practice self care every day and take time to listen to what our body is telling us.
thank you Kirstin I just saw a meme Self Care is Health Care which is so apt. x