I feel that self care is going to be extra important to me during the month of February. Usually I can go for brief periods neglecting myself and then play “catch-up” (not saying that this is right, but this is real talk). However, in the coming weeks I will need to actively schedule in time for myself. My time is cramping up and I deserve (nay, require!) a space that is devoted to me and my health.
To me, self care is, among other things: stretching, lighting scented candles, reading a book, eating chocolate, buying myself a cappuccino, leaving my work at work, yoga, cleaning, having dinner planned out, time in bed, writing a letter or an email to someone I love, writing on this blog, doing crossword puzzles, not speaking for a time…
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Some examples of other forms of self care that I have seen this morning:
- A man on the bus rapping loudly along to his iPod. His energy, connection to his music, and his bright smile astounded me. It is a gift to be so energetic and excited about anything at 7:30am, in negative 10 windchill, on public transportation.
- The black and electric blue eyeliner of the barista at the Coffee Tree. This girl was an artist. She was fabulous and she knew it.
- A man reading Killing Kennedy at the coffee shop before work. He was dressed in a fancy suit and had a gorgeous leather briefcase propped in the chair next to him. I imagined that he is an attorney (Hi Dad!) and had a stressful day of litigations ahead of him.
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As for me, my self-care so far today has included putting on my favorite pair of warm wooly socks to face the frigid temperatures. More to come!
What is your self care?
Jam of the day: Josh Ritter “Joy to You Baby”
I love this! February is going to be my month of self-care, too. For me, this means (trying to) not pass judgment on myself, allowing myself to relax without feeling guilty, and making time with family and friends. And reading, of course!
I love what you and Kacy have said about not passing judgment on yourself. That is such a simple way to honor ourselves. I think it can be really difficult at times, but it’s cheaper than a cappuccino!
You do deserve it! Reading is a huge one for me. As is a bath, while reading (and maybe a glass of wine). Also, giving myself a break from self judgment.
This post is just awesome. I love that you are going to take care of yourself so well. I also really loved the examples of people taking care of themselves in their own way. That was so much fun to read! Self care for me means ignoring homework to bake, read, or spend time with loved ones. I am always guilty of spending too much time doing school work!
I love what you said about putting work to rest. It has been helpful for me to put a limit on the amount of work I do in a given day. There comes a point of diminishing returns, and I try to honor that!
You are so aware, Susan. I love reading your posts. I wish I’d had half the eye you do at “your age…” Seriously. This is a perfect way to care for the self – noticing others around you and remarking on what makes you smile. Take care of yourself, friend.
Thank you Rose. That is such a high-compliment coming from one of the most reflective and self-aware people that I know.
Great post!
I love the little self-care examples you were able to find all around you, just by keeping an eye out for them. It’s so easy to miss those simple moments yet so awesome how much greatness we can find in them if we just pay attention. I think making the time and energy for self care is so important to keep our happiness (and sanity!) steady. I love your list of self-care strategies… just reading it makes me feel relaxed! I love cuddling up in sweats with a good book, movie or to catch up on an episode of a favourite show. Baking, a mug of hot chocolate, and a hot shower on a cold day are also lovely
I love your list Kristie! A hot shower is definitely on mine as well.
I love your examples of Self Care — and they actually say so much about YOU to notice those things.
I will go ahead and count my Bravo Tv and Vino fixation as self-care though it may be bordering into the land of “vice” soon. (0;
Vice is just a word intended to shame us for the most amazing things in life. I say no shame!
I rap loudly everyday at my desk…my officemates love it
You are such a wise soul. I know it’s a crazy time for you right now so please continue with the self-care!
<3
KT!
I believe the first comment, sans the “loudly” part. You are one of the most considerate people I know, so I doubt you rap loudly enough to bother ANYONE ; )
after crying all day at therapy yesterday (LOL) that was EXACTLY my homework! i really want to get a mani (it’s been over 6 months since i had one!)… but havent had time… I also hope I can find some time to do some reading! Luckily I will have Sunday off!!! woooooooot. Also, I really like your ideas for self care! Candles, incense, chocolate, YOGA! yes.
love you!
Sometimes a good cry can be a form of self care!
I know it can be hard to find the time for self-care, especially in a society focused on speed and productivity. In my life, I have had to make the choice to prioritize self-care and carve out the time. I definitely feel guilt about it some days, but I recognize that those feelings are just doing me harm. I hope you can find the time for yourself! You deserve it!
Self-care for me mostly involves having time! And that’s something I’m bad with because I tend to get caught up in stuff so easily. It does me good to spend time with loved ones, my piano and guitar, cooking and enjoying a nice meal, taking a bath, lighting tea candles, reading a book, going for a walk. Things like that.