Say yes to yourself.
– The Kind Initiative
Life can be stressful. Downright difficult at times – sometimes more days than not. And while we can’t remove all the sources of stress in life, we can respond in healthy and positive ways and care for ourselves. And likewise, encourage our patients/clients to care for themselves. In our last blog we addressed self-compassion, putting oneself first, and becoming your own VIP. Building on that, self-compassion is a critical aspect of self-care.
We know that self-care is important, but how often do we allow ourselves to practice it?
Say YES to yourself!
In a general sense, self-care includes activities that promote physical and emotional health and wellness. Self-care can reduce stress, make you feel happier, and prevent illness.Last summer we shared several posts on self care that you may want to go back and check out.
Today we are bringing back 16 simple ideas of how to practice self-care, including ways we personally are practicing self-care.
- Sit and be still alone with your thoughts for 10-15 minutes. Tami practiced this in the above photo during a recent trip to Lake Michigan. While her days were filled with activity and fun road trips, taking a pause at the end of the day to just be still and reflect provided her with self-care. And the view was a definite plus!
- Journal about how you’re feeling. Learn more about our experience doing so here.
- Get out in nature. We’ve written about the benefit of being in nature here and here.
- Listen to your favorite music. Deb starts her work day by listening to Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger to get motivated.
- Be active in a way that feels good to you.
- Organize or rearrange your space. Read our thoughts on bringing order to chaos here.
- Spend quality time with friends or family that pour into you. Since Deb travels frequently for work, she tries to add on days before or after to visit her friends and family.
- Enjoy a long bath or shower.
- Allow yourself to sleep-in. This is a favorite of Tami’s on the weekend. Spending every weekday living “the grind”, she really welcomes this luxury
- On the topic of sleep, try sleeping with a weighted blanket. This is another self-care practice of Tami’s. It brings calming, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps promote better sleep.
- Let yourself have a good cry (sometimes we just need it). We’ve heard it said that tears are the safety valve to the heart.
- Take a break from the news and social media.
- Write down 5 things you love about yourself. Post them where you’ll see them.
- If you enjoy scents, light a favorite candle or turn on a diffuser with a favorite essential oil. Lavender, rosemary and chamomile are particularly calming.
- Write down 5 things you’re grateful for. We share more gratitude practices here and here. Deb and Tami both “feed” a gratitude bird every morning to start the day off with a positive mind.
- Have realistic optimism, meaning you confront the situation you may be in, rather than thinking you’re helpless and powerless and avoid it. We’ve shared more thoughts on this here.
Granted, no amount of self-care can completely mitigate all of the struggles that may arise. And everyone’s self-care needs are different. Yet, implementing more self-care and being compassionate with yourself is a process that will be worth it
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Deb is employed by Dexcom, but her words and opinions in this blog are her own.
Tami is employed by the University of Kentucky HealthCare Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, but her words and opinions in this blog are her own.
