This week’s prompt for #lifethisweek hosted by Denyse Whelan is ‘Self Care Stories’. Self care has become a bit of a buzz word over the last few years but it is still an important component for us to Live Well and Enjoy Life!
On today’s Micro Mondays Podcast episode I’m sharing with you what makes up my Self-Care Routine and it isn’t just about facials (although who doesn’t love a good pampering session?)
You can listen to the podcast below or keep reading
Self-care for me means:
- looking after my body, inside and out
- taking care of my mental and spiritual health
- practising gratitude daily
- practising mindfulness – living in the ‘now’ not looking back or yearning for the future
- helping others – brings me a sense of satisfaction and joy
- knowing my boundaries – being able to say ‘No’ when I need to and ‘Yes’ when I can
- my attitude to life – trying to keep a positive outlook and a ‘can do’ attitude
- accepting ‘me’ and loving who I am – the most important part of my Self-Care
Self-care by making my health a priority
Staying fit, active and healthy is important to us all. Did you see this article on Facebook? I found this on The Oldish Facebook page and totally agree. At 64, I still feel young and I’m certainly fit so I’m glad to see the definition of ‘old’ has been updated!
My health – physically and mentally is paramount for me, so I choose to live a healthy lifestyle. This includes, strength training, running, walking, yoga, making healthier food choices 80% of the time and including some relaxation and recovery time for my body. It also means having my regular health checks and screenings for breast cancer and bowel cancer.
I try to keep fit and active not necessarily because I want to look good (although I don’t mind that!) but because I want to be healthy to enjoy my life with my husband, keep up with my children and grandchildren and make the most of what life has to offer.
Self-Care by Taking care of my appearance
Sundays are usually my ‘self-care’ days and part of my self-care is taking care of my body, inside and out. I usually give myself a DIY facial, find time for relaxation, go for a leisurely walk and do things that bring me joy. This year, I’ve been using skincare and makeup products by Limelife by Alcone.
Over the last 18 months most of us haven’t had the opportunity to attend social functions so it has been mainly active wear for me. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to put on some makeup and dress for social events and this has had a
I believe it is my responsibility to set an example to my children and grandchildren. That means ‘walking the talk’ and living a healthy lifestyle.
Self-care for my Mind
‘Use it or lose it’ applies to our bodies AND also our brains. One way I keep my brain healthy is to continually exercise it. For me that is about learning through courses and my Online BookClub as we study the Classics. For others it might be extending your creative mind through art or other creative processes.
I’ve just recently lodged my final modules to attain my Certificate IV in Fitness which will qualify me to become a Personal Trainer in addition to my current Group Fitness Instructor Certification. I’m feeling fantastic and a sense of satisfaction that I’ve achieved this dream which I’ve had for some years.
Being a trainer in the Strong Healthy Women Virtual Studio, keeps my body fit and also makes me use my brain as I take the clients through the various exercises and routines. I need to sometimes think on the spot for alternatives if a client attends with an injury.
My podcast, Conversations with Women Living Well After 50, certainly challenges my mind in many ways such as preparing for interviews, the tech side of producing a podcast. I’ve met many fascinating women with interesting stories and I have learned so much from them.
I believe that it is important to take care of yourself in mind,body and soul. That means being in a healthy weight range where you feel comfortable, make time for yourself to reflect, and ensure that you keep growing as a person.
Self-Care with Gratitude
Taking time each day to be grateful for what we do have, rather than focusing on the negative is another way to show ourselves self-care. My 100 day #bringmorecolourintoyourlife challengeMy 100 day project – #Bringmorecolourintoyourlife is proving a great way for me to stop and reflect on what I’m grateful for and also discovering just how much colour there is in life.
“Life is precious and too short not to be enjoying everyday that we are given.”
Self-care = Self-Love & Acceptance
Top of my self-care list has been learning to love myself. Learning to accept who I am, change what I don’t like and focus on what I like about myself. Being able to look in the mirror and smile because I love who I am – faults and all! That also means being able to share photos of myself and feel proud rather than cringing! We are unique beautiful women so love who you are and be proud!
What does self-care mean to you? I’d love you to share your thoughts and comments with me.
22 Comments
You’re such a great example of self-care, Sue – and it’s the most important thing we can do, because without it we’re of no use for anything else. Toni x
Hi Toni, I try to maintain a healthy self-care schedule but sometimes I fall down. As you say thought, it is very important to our health and well-being to have a self-care routine for all areas of our life. x
Hi Sue – you certainly have it all in balance and it seems to be working perfectly for you. I think when we take care of ourselves we then have the resources to take care of others and to contribute more to the world. I’m not sure that I’d class myself at 60 as being “young” but I’m certainly not old either – I’m happy with “midlife” or “middle aged” because it’s such a lovely stage of life to be in.
I agree, Leanne, when we are taking care of ourselves we have more energy to take care of others. I thought the article on ‘old’ was interesting but even though I’m 64 I don’t really think about age/old. I just try to live each day and make the most of it. x
A great points here in your post (and podcast) Sue, self care is so important and you always look sensational!
Hi Deb, you are too kind but thank you for the compliment. xx
Hi, Sue – BIG Congratulations on achieving your Certificate IV in Fitness. People will be so lucky to have you as their Personal Trainer! <3
Thank you, Donna, I’m so happy to have achieved this certification and love helping women stay fit and active. x
Hi Sue, you certainly embody keeping healthy in mind, body and soul. Having a skin care routine and exercising are so important, but so is having health checks and lifelong learning as you have said here. Well done for achieving everything you do. Regards, Christina
Thanks Christina, I have wanted to do this certification for a number of years so very happy that I finally signed up and did it! Have a great week. x
The comment about knowing boundaries is really important in self care – not just in terms of not over extending but also no letting people (including the person in your head) make you feel bad about your self/your choice/your whatever. Will check out the podcast tomorrow in the car
Hi Lydia, I love your point about the ‘person in your head’. We tend to focus on boundaries with other people but we also need to ensure we keep that ‘voice in our head’ in check as well. have a lovely week. x
Such a great article! I completely agree that it is so important to take care of ourselves in every area of our lives. This year I have been focusing on my physical health as well as learning some new things in the area of leadership. Keeping my mind sharp and staying engaged in life is vital for me. Thanks for sharing your advice on this topic! Best Wishes, Leigh
Thank you, Leigh! Sounds like you’ve had a productive year and I hope that 2022 you continue on your health and wellness journey. Have a lovely week and thanks for visiting. x
I love this post, Sue, and you certainly are a great example of self-care. I really like your statement about self-love – change what you don’t like about yourself, focus on what you do like about yourself. I’m a firm believer that there is no ”find yourself” but rather ”create who you want to be, and understand yourself. I’ve had some rough time lately and mindfulness and self-compassion has become more important than ever, as well as gratitude for what you have and for what you can do.
To me, self-care means to look after my body as well as my soul, be kind and compassionate to myself, set aside time to relax and do things that give me joy, as well as work. I have a lot to work on when it comes to the physical side, but I’ve come further with the mental side.. All the stress and worry – work-related before I moved to Ireland, and related to the pandemic, has forced me to a lot of self-reflection, which has done me good.
Hello Susanne, lovely to hear from you and to read your thoughtful comment. We share similar ideas around self-care and I think it is always a WIP depending upon what is happening in our life at any given time. I do rely on my running and workouts to help me both physically and mentally. If I’m stressed, my husband usually suggests I ‘go for a run’ and it usually works. I would love to visit Ireland but alas COVID has put a hold on our travel for the moment. Have a beautiful week. xx
I see by the comments your words, and images have made a very positive impact on readers (and listeners, for those who have found the podcast). It’s a great post, Sue too in terms of your self development. Congratulations on getting your Cert IV done. A big goal met.
Thank you so much for linking up your blog post for Life This Week. I hope to see you next week, for the last of my Taking Stock posts. Do join in, with a post on or off prompt. Denyse.
Hi Denyse yes I think I’ve struck a chord with others and acknowledge that self-care is a must. I’m over the moon to have achieve my Cert IV especially giving the year that we have had with the Estate issues. Have a lovely week and see you next week. x
Hi Sue, Congratulations on achieving your Cert IV in Fitness! That’s a fantastic accomplishment. You have a holistic approach to self-care and you look fabulous. Thank you for linking up with #weekendcoffeeshare.
Thank you, Natalie, I feel very satisfied that I’ve accomplished my certification. I love encouraging women to lead active, healthy lives. x
Oh, I need to listen to that podcast. I’m so bad at taking time to sit and listen to them. I enjoyed your list and this post. So good and so important. I know for me self care can mean a variety of things…regularly I love a nice bath and to read in the evenings. Taking care of my skin and exercising. Eating well and keeping a positive mindset.. So much more. And so many things I need to focus more on.
Hi Kirstin, I usually listen to podcasts when I’m in the car. All of your self-care activities are spot on and who doesn’t enjoy a lovely bath, I know I do especially after long run. x