This month my theme on the blog has been 31 days to focus on YOU If you want to catch up you can click here to read through the posts so far.
Today (if you haven’t already started), it is time to start ticking off some of the things that I listed on my 31 days of ideas, or maybe you came up with your own list. If you didn’t get a copy you can download the list here to get you started.
Your goal for this week is to tick off 5 things to do that are JUST FOR YOU! Who is up for the Challenge?
Being fit, fabulous, healthier and happier doesn’t just mean working out. It means nurturing your mind, body and soul. That means taking time to look at these three areas of your life and ensuring that you are doing things to keep healthy and feeling fabulous.
We can all have great intentions of making changes in our lives but what is the point if we don’t actually DO anything.
I want to share two quotes with you about self-care and why it is so important.
Sometimes we feel guilty even thinking about doing something for ourselves. We feel we should always be putting others first. Whether you have a family or are an empty nester you will always have responsibilities but that doesn’t mean you need to put yourself last. Respecting yourself as an individual with your own needs should never be underestimated.
This quote by Eleanor Brownn shows me how important it is to look after ourselves. If we don’t replenish ourselves we aren’t able to adequately give our love and support to our family and friends. We become a better person when we nurture our own well-being.
5 things to tick off your self-care list this week
- Sit in the sunshine or your favourite chair and read that book you have been wanting to start.
- Take a bubble bath, turn on some music, light some scented candles and relax for half an hour
- Go for a walk and actually look at your surroundings
- Take 5 minutes each morning to clear your mind and ‘just be’ in the moment
- Make a plan to do something you have always wanted to do but never had the opportunity to do it.
How to achieve your goal?
We can all procrastinate, say ‘we don’t have the time’, say ‘we have responsibilities’ BUT you and your well-being is JUST AS IMPORTANT. SO MAKE THE TIME!
Get up an hour earlier
I love early mornings – the house is still and quiet and I find it such a calm and peaceful way to start my day. It is surprising what you can do in one hour without interruption.
Schedule in your ‘me time’
Making time each day for yourself is the ultimate but if you realistically can’t do this then at least schedule in some times during the week. If you make an appointment with yourself to focus on you then you are more likely to make the time.
Keep track of your progress
Recently Shelley from A Woman in Her Prime, left me a comment about how she motivates herself to be consistent with exercise. It was in response to my post Be Consistent and See Results Shelley has a paper planner and uses stickers to mark out when she has completed her walk. This visual helps her look back over the month to see how consistent she was and finds that this motivates her.
I think this is a great idea for tracking your ‘me time’. Maybe you could try this approach and then review at the end of the month. It will certainly show you if you have made time for yourself.
The health benefits of making time for yourself
- Lifts your mood
- Reduces stress
- Increases your energy levels
- Increases self satisfaction
- Makes you a happier and more relaxed person to be around
So are you going to schedule your ‘me time’ this week?
Will you tick off my 5 suggestions or do you have others on your list?
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
23 Comments
What a great blog! So glad I stumbled across you today. I am 45 and thrilled to see the midlife represented in the blogging world. 😉
Hi AnnaLisa welcome to my blog and I’m glad you found me. I am a little older than you as I turn 60 in August but I’m still Sizzling and hope I can impart my experiences to other women of midlife. Have a beautiful day and I hope you visit again xx
This is a great self-care list, Sue. I have already checked off three items and plan to hit five by the end of the week!
Oh good work Donna! I love ticking things off a list (although you might have worked out by now I’m a list girl!) Have a great week and thanks for stopping by xx
I’m working on doing a few of these as we speak Sue!! I’m starting with sitting in front of the fire to read my book, there’s no sunshine here today!!
Oh that sounds perfect Debbie! I know no sunshine but sitting by the fire and reading sounds pretty good to me! Have a great day!
This was a great post and need to go back and read your other posts. Making time for yourself is something I am now relearning since my hubby retired and is home all the time. I used to have a lot of “me” time since we worked different shifts for 39 years but now, when I am not working, we are together constantly and this is something that I am not used to…… Looking forwrad to reading your other post. Thanks so much for stopping by!!
Hugs,
Deb
Hi Debbie! Oh yes retiring and being together almost full time can be a challenge can’t it? There are so many adjustments to be made when we retire I don’t think some people are really prepared for it. Have a beautiful day and thanks for stopping by to comment. x
Getting up an hour early is not going to happen for me Sue (I’ll never be a morning person – especially in Winter!) The thing I look forward to the most is NOT getting up early on my days off 🙂 I’m planning on having all day tomorrow to myself – not going anywhere or doing anything – just chillaxing and having some downtime – I think that ticks a couple of your boxes!
Well I suppose we have the luxury of sleeping in now Leanne but I suppose I’m a morning person as well. Also, those that still work full time find it hard to include ‘me time’ so I’m trying to think of every angle. Have a blissful day off and make the most of it!
Love it! Thanks for sharing these ideas. Visiting from the Wonderful Wednesday blog party.
Thanks Jeanne! I don’t often visit this blog party but will keep it on my list! Have a great day! x
I’m so excited to have found this series and can’t wait to go read the others. It’s so easy to get busy and forget to recharge. Looking forward to seeing these posts everyday to center and recharge!
Oh I’m excited you found me as well Julie! I do hope you enjoy the posts and get some take away ideas from them. Have a beautiful day! x
Check and check. Have a couple more to go!
Good for you Jennifer! Keep going! Thank you also for your support of my blog and taking the time to leave a comment. Have a beautiful day x
Hi, Sue.
The visual lists really help me too. I have a huge 31-day countdown poster as well as little countdown pages. Each time I check something off, I feel I’ve accomplished something.
I no longer look at the big picture (for personal goals) because it overwhelms me (and my negative self-comes out of hiding).
I’ll sit in the sun, just be quiet, read, exercise, and be mindful of what I eat.
Thanks for the encouraging challenge.
Good challenges for this week. Thank you.
Thanks Joy! Have a beautiful week x
Great post sue. I always plan some “me” time everyday. You really need it. I am not a morning person but make sure to fit in my needs each day like exercising everyday.
Hugs,
Bev
Hi Bev you are very wise to have your ‘me’ time even though it is sometimes hard to fit in. I hope you have had a great time with your family and grandchildren. Have a lovely day, Bev xx
I love this! I agree self care is so important! As a mom of three young kids, I have found that waking up before my kids has made all the difference.
It would be difficult for you Bethany with three children to find some time for yourself. You have proven though that it can be done if you really want it. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by x