Three self-care things you did today!

[ecomama]

We can do it BBers, we can do self-care.

Sleepy21 pointed out research that shows self-care REALLY helps!

Please share what you do for self-care so we can get inspiration, ideas and motivation to do it too.

Best wishes
EM

[Eagle Ray]

Dear mmMeKitty, I very much relate to what you say about setting boundaries. I too have taken a long time to move from thinking my needs will be automatically rejected. For me it is connected to invisibility in childhood and my needs being treated as they do not matter. It’s wonderful that we are connecting with our capacity to value our needs and communicate them. I hope you are feeling less sore today. That would have been great fun exercising to the World Pride Concert!

My self-cares today were:

1. Going for a peaceful forest walk.

2. Trying on clothes I haven’t worn in a long time. I’ve been out of the workforce a while and not active socially either, so more formal clothes and going out clothes have been neglected. I actually really enjoyed trying them on and remembering they exist. It was like reconnecting with my past self when I was stronger, which made me feel a bit stronger. I feel this is a good sign. I enjoyed mixing and matching things, and trying on dresses I really like but haven’t had something to wear them to for ages.

3. Opting to cook a simpler meal than originally planned to avoid a late dinner.

[sbella02]

Eagle Ray, trying on old clothes is always quite nostalgic. It's nice to be able to reconnect with old memories and positive feelings. 

Self-care today:

1. Long gym session. I haven't been in a bit because I've been sick, but today was a nice little recovery session.
2. Had a nap after a long work shift. Very refreshing!
3. Listened to music. I call music my "therapy" because of how great it can be to play/sing/write music no matter what you're feeling.

SB

[Eagle Ray]

SB, I agree how therapeutic music can be.

Self-care today:

1. Completed 3 hour practical course relating to work skills.

2. Drove to a beach afterwards that I don’t get to visit so often and rested there. I also scouted various spots there with interesting rocks for possible future landscape photography opportunities.

3. Had a healthy dinner.

[Eagle Ray]

For today:

1. Did volunteer work. I enjoy feeling useful and part of something.

2. Bought items at hardware store to complete home maintenance tasks. Have completed one already today and it feels good to get things done.

3. Shared some interesting info with others I’m doing a course with while also learning from them.

[sbella02]

The beach is always a beautiful place to sit, reflect and relax, Eagle Ray. I would love to be going more often, it's so peaceful. I'm glad you're learning from others in your course, it's always great to be able to chat with people about their various life experiences.

My self-care:

1. More birthday prep!
2. Spending some time making some cards. Like birthday cards, Christmas cards, etc. Crafting is therapeutic.
3. Having dinner with a close friend.

SB

[Eagle Ray]

For me today:

1. Received healing and kindness from the people I’m doing a course with today. 

2. Saw how hilarious it was that the weather has been completely dry for ages but I chose to hang out my washing this morning and it went and rained for much of the day. It’s now way wetter than when I hung it out 😂

3. Listened to some songs that I find healing.

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

I'm feeling like I have  post Covid exhaustion/chronic fatigue again or a combination of both.

I've been doing my morning walks, resting when needed

Today I am out all day helping my husband with errands so I will pack a gluten free lunch so I have something to eat and have plenty of water with me.

I have a book to take with me for the moments we stop at businesses I am not required to enter. 

(after 2 weeks I have finally managed to make a hair appointment for next week...all I need is a cut! I can't believe the way some people from hair saloons have spoken to me when I called to make an appointment!)

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Dools and All

I hope the post Covid fatigue doesn’t last too long. It seems to vary greatly between people. Take it easy. I’m glad you finally got a hair appointment!

For me today:

Caught the second half of Gardening Australia which I find such a relaxing show and I found it settled me after a challenging encounter with someone earlier. It’s like an antidote for stressful things in the world.

Cooked a fish curry that was very filling and I was quite happy with it. Will get at least two more meals from it.

Had a late afternoon sleep on the couch. I could feel my body really needed it.

[Eagle Ray]

Today has felt challenging, including beginning tired after not getting much sleep and some disturbing dreams. I know this is because there are specific things worrying me at present. So my self-care today was:

1. Acknowledging challenging issues of interpersonal communication in my life at present, accepting that they exist and reflecting on ways of handling them (still in process but learning to sit with difficulty and be patient as I work things out).

2. Recognising that I may need help with my garden. I got through a portion of the weeding and pruning I planned for today, which is something. But I think realistically I may need help and that’s ok.

Had a peaceful afternoon walk and sat by a lake. I felt significantly calmer after spending time in nature.

[GreenEgg]

Hi everyone - another great thread! Recognising the need for help is a great one Eagle Ray. 

mine are

- morning walk

- nap before work

- nice coffee

- homemade lunch

- delegated some work rather than overwhelming myself completely

and last but not least, taking the time to reflect on my day and posting this