Hello everyone, I hope all is well with you. I’m back today after a busy week. I’ve started a new job and it’s great to be back to work full time. I’ve missed it. However, I’m still committed to my writing. I’ve got two manuscripts I’m committed to finishing and a third one that I started a while back that I want to finish as well.
Today, I’d like to talk about self-care. Taking care of your health should be one of the most important goals an individual has. In my younger years, I took my health for granted and picked up some bad habits, like drinking too much pop. It’s bad for your bones and your body needs water. So, I’ve made a conscious effort to drink more water and limit the amount of pop I drink.
That’s just one example. Through the years, I’ve tried to be consistent about exercise as well. Exercise is so important for our body. It’s great for maintaining our mood and managing our stress.
So, when I think about self-care, I think about the basics. What does my body need to be healthy?
- A healthy diet
For me, a healthy diet is more salads and less sugar. I’ve tried to cut down on sugar, but I haven’t eliminated it all together. I’ve also developed a plan where I eat carbs only in the morning and at night, leaving my noon meal for proteins and vegetables. I’m trying to work with the changes that occur in our bodies as we age. I still need carbs, but I don’t need as many, and I feel the time of day I eat these things is also important.
Trace Nietert on Visualhunt.com / CC BY
Our bodies also need water. Lots of it. 😊
- Exercise
Our bodies are designed to move so the more movement you can get, the better off you’ll be. It can be anything like walking, hiking, or cycling. I run, but I also change it up with hiking and walking so I don’t get bored. I also work out with free weights to keep my muscles strong. Exercise is also an excellent way to relieve stress.
- Stress relieving activities
Besides exercise there are other stress relieving activities we can participate in, like yoga or reading or getting together with friends. All of these activities are important ways to maintain both our mental and physical health.
- Setting boundaries
I list setting boundaries with people as a part of our self-care because we can get wrapped up into taking care of other people. This includes our spouse and children. Sometimes Mom needs a time out and that’s okay because you’ll be a better parent if you take care of yourself. Not only that, but your setting a good example for your children on how to take care of themselves without feeling bad about it. Go you!
Photo credit: Mark Zilberman Photography on Visualhunt.com /CC BY-NC
- Setting goals
I list setting goals because part of taking care of ourselves is managing our time. If we set goals we know where we want to spend our time and how much time we want to devote to that activity. By doing this, we can eliminate all that unimportant crap that can demand our attention. We learn to say no to things without guilt.
So, there you have it. A blue-print for self-care. It looks easy, I know but, it’s hard to do. It’s hard to find the time sometimes for exercise and stress relieving activities when your family is demanding your attention. It’ll take some practice and some juggling, but I’m sure you can do it.
Photo on Visual Hunt
What do you do for self-care? Leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
I recently started curling again, and though I’ve only played like one real game so far, I’ve enjoyed it and I also like knowing that it’s a very healthy and good thing for me because I’m being social and I’m getting a bit of exercise and I’m not just sitting at home. I think it’s definitely turning into a form of self-care for me.
Good for you V! That’s a great activity! I’m glad you’re enjoying it! 🙂
All great suggestions. I try to eat healthy but I don’t exercise as much as I should. I’m working on that one. And taking time out just for yourself is huge. I’m always so concerned that everyone else has what they need that I forget about what I need. I’ve gotten better at this since my cancer diagnosis and treatment, but it’s still hard to give myself permission to just rest. I’m getting better at it.
Thanks for sharing and good luck with your goals. And congratulations on the new job!
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
Awww…thanks, Patricia! Good luck to you on your goals. I’m not sure where you are with your cancer treatment, but I’m sending healing vibes your way. I also went through a few years ago. It certainly makes you stop and take stock of everything, doesn’t it? Good luck to you and thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Love your ‘blue-print’ for great health and self-care, Lisa! I always exercise in the morning, drink lots of water, and I’m eating better. The boundaries are hard since hubby is home ALL the time, and I have to focus on setting my goals and getting more writing done. Cheers for your awesome advice!
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon and for your kind words! I appreciate your support! 🙂
After reading this I am absolutely going for a walk! Thanks for the motivation, Lisa 😀
Awesome! I’m glad I could motivate you! I hope you enjoyed it! ❤
I definitely know I am not taking care of myself when the sugar goes into overload! I, too, have returned to work and although I am glad for the routine I need to be sure to make time for self care. Thank you for this list and reminder, Lisa!
You’re welcome, Snuffy! Self care is hard when you have to work it around a job! I hope your job works out for you! ❤
Great words and tips of wisdom for the body,mind and spirit, ☮️
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! 🙂