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

[Clues_Of_Blue]

Hi all,

This thread got way too active for me to keep up with, so I'm just gonna wish you all well.

My self cares:

- Further refined what notifications I get on my phone. I'm now using a convoluted mix of Flight Mode, Focus Mode and Do Not Disturb to get access to the apps I need (like my e-books, nature sounds and meditation apps), my reminders for important stuff like meds, and to not keep waking up to missed call notifications, which had me starting every day in a state of elevated stress. I'll check that stuff when I'm good and ready, thanks!

- Managed to get a lot of sleep over the last couple of days.

- Didn't pressure myself to answer most e-mails, messages, etc. for several days.

Kind thoughts to all,

Blue.

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Blue

Those all sound like good options for promoting the things that help you while minimising the things that are disturbing, interrupting or stressful. E-books, nature sounds and meditation apps all sound wonderful.

Today for me:

1. Started an online course in an area that greatly interests me. It was so wonderful to connect with like-minded people and it really took the edge off the struggle and despair I’ve had in recent days. Now feeling more hopeful.

2. Chose a reasonably healthy takeaway option for dinner as feel like I need a decent meal tonight but not up to cooking.

3. Remembered that I am held in nature and the universe, even if it feels like I’m totally isolated at times. There are good people and good things in my world, and I just need to remember to keep being self-nurturing whatever happens and that things always shift and change, so bad feelings are always temporary no matter how bad or persistent they feel. Life is not easy at times but it can also be beautiful and there are so many beautiful things to live for.

[Doolhof]

Hi All,

Feeling really exhausted this afternoon after my first outing from home in 2 weeks post covid.

My slef care things have been snoozing most of the afternoon as too exhausted to lift my head off the pillow

Cooked a healthy dinner

Drank lots of water today.

Recognised my limitations and worked within my capabilities today.

[Eagle Ray]

Hi All

Today for me:

1. Got several practical shopping tasks done in a nearby town. I practiced moving slowly and mindfully throughout the day as I can feel I need to be really gentle with myself. I actually got much more done this way than when I rush and stress about doing everything. Made me think of the hare and tortoise story. Tortoise is best 🐢👍

2. Did a slow nature walk and stopped to sit on a log for a while and later on a seat under a tree.

3. Got in touch with someone who’s been supportive of me in the past who’s had his own health issues recently to see how he is. Was good to make contact and have an email conversation.

[sbella02]

Hi again all,

Blue, I've recently done that too. It's relieving to be able to clear some of those pesky notifications. It gives you a chance to breathe and disengage.

Eagle Ray, I'm so glad to hear that you've gotten in touch with a supportive friend. I'm sure you reaching out meant a lot to them as well. Social support is so powerful.

My self-care things for today:

1. Got a fair few loads of washing done
2. Had a quesadilla for dinner!
3. Tried to avoid using my phone as much as possible

SB

[Eagle Ray]

Hi All

1. Like you SBella I did washing today. Only one load though but it was a big one of clothes. Quickly hung up dried cotton items after bringing them in as I find this can avoid creasing and the need for ironing later, at least some of the time.

2. Went for quite a decent walk. Feel like I’m getting a bit stronger at the moment.

3. Made up my own curry with random ingredients. It was healthy and I was quite happy with the flavour.

[mmMekitty]

Hello everyone

I'm seeing some very responsible, sensible & self-compassionate self-cares from ER, SB, Dools & Blue. Thank you all for your effors - they are so encouraging to readers, me, when I don't post like I want. It is something I do to care for myself when I recognise my limits & I'm off somewhere else, then today I decided to read this whole page of posts, & smile to think of what you are doing.

Today, I woke too early again, managed to get back to sleep for a while, but was still tired, so slept in some more, until a phone call awoke me! It's okay, though, so I got myself up at nearly 10am & made a smaller breakfast & later, my salad somewhat smaller than usual, too. I've had a shower.

I intend to also have a smaller dinner, after I've done some exercise. My knee is being painful lately, so I feel restricted, but also that I need to get up, walk about a bit, then sit again, often, or it stiffens up again.

Tomorrow, I intend to ask the physio at Sporting wheelies about how best to manage this arthritic pain in my knees, particularly my right knee. That will be an important self-care.

Hugzies to everyone

mmMekitty

[Doolhof]

Hello all,

My self care today included sending an email at 5.00 a.m. to my work assistance person relating to unpleasant stuff that happened at work recently. We can discuss this when we catch up on Wednesday. It helped to stop some of the muck from rattling aorund in my mind.

Joined my husband in going for a drive as he had some errands to run in the city, we had a lovely drive in the hills on the way home.

Home exhausted! Post Covid and tired so easily. Had a snooze for a couple of hours before attempting to make an evening meal.

[Yellow Hope]

Three self-care things of the day for me:

- Said "no" and took the day for myself.

- Lingered in bed after waking up for extra rest.
- Spent quality time with my partner cooking dinner together.

The self-care things that we do for ourselves can be seen as small and are so easily overlooked. Reflecting on these helps us to acknowledge what feels good, and also helps us to identify our achievements! I love this.

Much love x

[Eagle Ray]

Hi Everyone 

Great to hear your self-cares. I agree Yellow Hope that it’s often the small things so easily overlooked that make a difference.

Today has been hard emotionally but I found some positives:

1. Lay on the couch this afternoon after an emotionally exhausting morning.

2. Watched satirical comedy clips on YouTube that made me feel better about recent challenges I’ve had.

3. Had brief friendly chat with a fellow local town resident.