Self-Care in September is not just about pampering, it is about looking at ways you day incorporate daily self-care for your mind, body and soul. The most important part of Self-Care is to develop a Self-Care Plan and that is my tip for Day 1. My Self-Care plan has been put into place and I am taking some time out to visit Alaska and Canada with my husband. I’ve scheduled the posts for Self-Care in September and I’m ready to go and have some Rest, Relaxation and Adventure.
Whilst I am gone, I have some guests each week who are sharing their thoughts on Self-Care and what it means to them. Join them each Thursday on the blog.
Self-Care in September – Part 1
Day 1 – Develop a Self-Care Plan
Self-care is something that we either feel guilty about or just don’t make the time. Yet, how can we age well and be healthy and happy without it? Developing a Self-Care Plan to schedule in time for yourself and including some non-negotiables is a good way to start. On Day 1 of Self-Care in September will you make the time to start a Self-Care Plan? Not sure how? You can read my post on How to create a self-care plan for life
DAY 2 – UNPLUG FROM NOISE
Life is too noisy isn’t it? Technology is useful but noise from our phones, computers, television, other people can become too loud for us to think clearly. Take time today to unplug from noise and sit quietly with your thoughts.
DAY 3 – EAT TO NOURISH YOUR BODY.
I love dining out and good food – don’t we all? However, if we want to age well we need to eat nourishing food. Life is hectic even if we are retired and it is too easy to grab for a quick unhealthy snack or meal. Your body and mind need nourishment – like a care needs fuel. Meal planning is a good way to make sure you are making healthier food options. Make one day a week to prepare a weekly menu, write a shopping list and maybe even prepare some healthy snacks and meals for the week.
DAY 4 – INCORPORATE GENTLE EXERCISE
We know we need to exercise which includes cardio and strength workouts to keep healthy and active. But we don’t necessarily have to push ourselves to the extreme every day. Incorporating some gentle exercise such as morning stretching, yoga and pilates will keep our bodies flexible and functionally fit plus reduce stress and improve our mental well-being.
DAY 5 – LET GO OF PERFECTIONISM.
We are our harshest critics and sometimes put pressure on ourselves. I know I do. Accepting that we aren’t perfect and that if we give our best that is good enough takes such a load of our minds, reduces stress and anxiety and allows us to be more accepting of ourselves and others.
DAY 6 – REASSESS YOUR PRIORITIES.
Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget what is really important to us. Taking time to reassess what our priorities are will ensure that we doing the things we want in life.
DAY 7 – TAKE A DAILY MINDFULNESS WALK
Could you go for a walk alone, without technology and just enjoy time out in nature? Mindfulness walking helps us to focus on our thoughts and also encourages us to appreciate our surroundings and being in the moment. Include a regular ‘Mindfulness Walk’ in your Self-Care plan.
DAY 8 – PRACTICE DAILY MEDITATION OR PRAYER.
Quiet time for meditation, reflection or prayer brings calm to our lives. Start your day with a quiet meditation and end with reflection of your day. It slows you down, it makes you relax and it helps you to find peace and gratitude
Self-Care in September
23 Comments
Oh, Sue, not only is this post full of wise words and suggestions, but it is just lovely. Scrolling down as I read, I was moved by the care you have taken to find the perfect graphics and to make your blog such a peaceful retreat for your readers. Love ‘buy the shoes’ and ‘unplug from noise’. Both of my grands are extremely sensitive to noise and I think I must be, too, in my older age. No wonder I loved being a (somewhat noisy) librarian.
Some great ideas here and for the month ahead. Personally, I am very fond of a cuddle (both giving and receiving) and I have been making a concerted effort to unplug from technology. Thanks for the reminder about meal planning, we’ve had a hectic few weeks of eating out and I am really looking forward to planning ahead and cooking healthy homemade meals in the kitchen!
Great ideas and techniques for me to incorporate into this month and beyond, Sue. It’s heading to the silly season and I do need some kind of self care routine to keep myself ticking along.
So far, I’ve come to love at least one gentler exercise session per week, yoga each evening and being active in reducing my screen time.
SSG xxx
It’s the noise that resonates with me – no pun intended. Not just noise noise, but the noise in my head sometimes. I’ve just started getting up earlier than the usual stupid o clock I rise at to try and fit in some meditation of sorts. As always, great ideas and prompts.
Hi Sue – I feel more serene just looking at your lovely post and all the gentle pictures you added into it. There were some great prompts there and I felt good just knowing that I’d ticked several of them off already – and I’m working on some of the others.
Hi, Sue – Once again, there are very useful tips here. I look forward to discussing them with you in person soon.
#12daysandcounting!
Your perfect list puts life in perspective. It’s so easy to get tied up in minutiae and forget the really important issues. Take time to smell the roses!
Pamela from http://www.style-yourself-confident.com visiting from denysewhelan.com.au
As I write you are on the big Canadian Air jet inching you closer to your longed-for holiday. Great tips here Sue. Thank you.
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is 37/51 What Is Love? 16/9/19. Do hope you join in. Denyse.
I really need to pay some attention to this at the moment as I’m hovering between overwhelm and purposelessness. I think I might need to play catch-up as I’m starting late. (Also, happy holidays!)
This is a lovely post, Sue,
I’ve ignored my self-care for years in favor of caring for kids, husband, and career. Now I have a bit more time to focus on myself. I’ve gotten better with the meditation – I’ve found an app that helps me do deep, focused breathing which I am using twice a day, morning and evening. I’m working on several of the other ones, too. Unplugging from technology and noise is particularly hard.
Great post! There’s a lot to do there #MLSTL (I’ve been uppiung exercise daily, usually first thing, and it’s really raised my mood)
Wonderful post….I see much work ahead of me. #MLSTL
What a wonderful post. I certainly need to do quite a few of these. I do take my dogs to the beach without noise and I take them for walks also. No headphones just walk and I chat to the dogs. I go to the gym but sometimes the noise of the music they play is so loud and bumpy. argh…but Im going to try and do your tips…thank you #MLSTL
Hi Sue – Very useful tips as usual. I love Day #5 tip. Look forward to meeting you IRL soon. #MLSTL
All good reminders, Sue, and for me it’s about slowing down a little bit and knowing that it is okay to do that. xo
I hope you’re having a fabulous holiday Sue! Self-Care is something I have become much improved at. I recognise what helps me and when it is needed. I don’t have an actual plan, I’ve just learnt through trial and error what works for me and what doesn’t, when self-care is needed, and what kind at certain times. I do think though that I need to switch off from devices more! xo
Shared on my Social Media. #MLSTL #3daysandcounting!
This is a lovely post Sue with great advice the most challenging of your tips for me would be meditation. Probably should think seriously about it .
Hi Sue, I’m working on several of these, and your lovely images made me want to get more proactive with those that I’m not doing. I’ve Pinned several of them. #MLSTL and Pinned
Selfcare is so important. This year, I’ve been focusing on Extreme Self Care based on Cheryl Richardson’s book. Each month takes a different, very specific focus. But I’m loving your September SelfCare Calendar and have pinned it for reference.
Good morning Sue. I thoroughly enjoy your writing style and my life absolutely does need a self-care plan. I’ve read through this several times now and am almost immediately going to begin my day one project. Thank you so much for sharing this sage advice. Enjoy your time in Canada – I’m guessing you’re in the pacific north-west somewhere if you’re going to Alaska. It’s surely one of the most dramatically beautiful spots on earth. pp
I needed to read through this again Sue as I struggle through the month. Great words of advice from your beautiful soul. Thanks so much for your care. Enjoy your trip and say hello to Donna and the others from me xx #mlstl
Such good advice Sue. Thanks for leaving it for us while you are out enjoying life. Happy travels!