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]

Thank you SB 🙏😊

For me today:

1. Said hello to my neighbour across from me. Even brief friendly interactions can be very lifting.

2. Went for a nice walk through local bushland.

3. Postponed gardening plans realising I’m a bit tired for it today. Will have an early night.

[sbella02]

That's so sweet, I like those little friendly interactions.

1. Listened to the music I wanted to in the car (today it was songs from musicals)
2. Played piano for a solid hour
3. Updated my weekly planner

SB

[Eagle Ray]

I enjoyed reading about your piano playing SB. It can be so absorbing can’t it. I used to be like that with my guitar though it’s been neglected a lot for a while. But I did actually pick it up yesterday for about 20 minutes.

Today for me:

1. Participated in a course I’m doing and really enjoyed a group sharing activity (sharing our project assignments).

2. Went to the pub for dinner as I wasn’t in the space for making dinner. Saw my neighbour there and we had a bright, friendly chat.

3. Still being light enough I went to my favourite ocean place for a brief walk and to watch the sunset. I had some sadness come up this afternoon so this was a good place for my soul to rest, allowing the sadness to come out and then feeling a bit better.

[mmMekitty]

Hi ER & SB. I'd love to be able to sit & play music. Even when playing poorly using the app on my phone, I find simply taking a few minutes to make some notes & chords has a positive effect on my mood & current stress levels, until the app plays up, that is! Nevertheless, I still like it.

Today, bearing in mind, these are things which are in fact caring for myself, even when it doesn't quite feel like that, or not in the minute, but maybe, in the long run it's best not to procrastinate & simply get on &:

1. Replied to an email from my PDr, who has asked me to confirm a change of appointment time & date;

2. Made another phone call to the company who employs my home help worker about her not being as thorough with her work & also talking too much about her own personal problems

3. Following these two things I've done today, I need to do some writing, back in my own Discussion, I think.

[Eagle Ray]

Those are very practical self-cares mmMeKitty. Good on you for speaking up about things with the home help. I’ve often struggled in the past to speak up about things but I’m getting a little better at it and you speaking up gives me encouragement. The music app sounds like fun. There’s nothing like creating your own music.

For me today:

1. Did volunteer work and completed quite a few tasks which gave me a sense of satisfaction.

2. Went for a nice walk among tall trees next to a river.

3. Got my grocery shopping done in a nearby town.

[GreenEgg]

It’s great that you were able to tick off some tasks, so satisfying. Putting away fresh groceries is too!

Mine are:

1. Accepted something might’ve gone wrong, and went and had a swim with a friend anyway rather than worrying
2. Morning swim
3. Made a new salad

[Eagle Ray]

GreenEgg, I love that you went for that swim anyway with your friend. Sometimes when we realise something may have gone wrong we can kind of withdraw and worry, so leaving it aside and doing something healthy like swimming and being with a friend is such a great response. Morning swims are the best too. I find if I make the effort I feel better for the rest of the day.

For me today:

1. Got some gardening jobs done early. There’s much to do but I’m learning not to get overwhelmed and just work on a few tasks at a time. It’s being in the present moment and enjoying it, rather than thinking there’s so much to do. 
2. Chatted with a fellow town resident about our shared love of animals. It was so nice to connect.

3. Breathed in the smell of fresh rain. It’s one of my favourite things.

[GreenEgg]

Yes morning swims are the best! I am trying to make the most of it while it is still warm. Gardening sounds very rewarding and grounding, though I do struggle to care for my houseplants even properly so I can only imagine garden is quite a challenge.

1. left work early

2. reached out to someone to check in

3. said a (very) tentative yes to going on a hike

[Eagle Ray]

Hi GreenEgg, that's nice you reached out to someone to check in. It's good to leave work early sometimes too - not always push on. The hike sounds potentially like fun. I hope you enjoy it if you go.

Today...

1. Did job searching on the internet, looking at a range of possible opportunities and ways to move forward.

2. Respectfully declined a request from a friend that I know will most likely be too difficult for me to meet.

3. Did grocery shopping to cover myself for the next few meals.

[GreenEgg]

Hi EagleRay- yes I would have to commit as  I’m not fit so that’s a bit daunting. Hoping your job search goes well, considering different opportunities is a great step. Though it can be overwhelming too so I hope you also had some down time as well.

mine today
1. Had an appointment with my psychologist

2. Told someone I was really struggling and accepted their offer to help- cup of tea and a puzzle and used their washing machine

3. Turned off my phone (till now)