This month we are talking about how we take care of ourselves.
Back in July, I wrote a post about my self-care during the summer. You can read that HERE. I am also currently writing a research paper for my grad class on self-care for educators, so this post comes at the perfect time. Self-care is all I'm thinking about! I'm working on consistently practicing what I preach. I seem to have a history of binging on self-care and then ignoring it for too long.
As women, I think the best thing we can do for everyone in our lives is take care of ourselves. Women typically care for everyone around them and I know I can tell a difference in my mood, behavior and overall well-being when I am taking care of myself and when I'm not. I like to break self-care into three groups: Mind, Body and Soul.
MIND
I love to learn and always have. This is one of the main reasons I read so much. I am always looking for new ideas or stories to expand my understanding of the world. I love to take classes for work and hobbies. Learning and growing are an important way I care for myself. That is also why I enjoy listening to a variety of podcasts.
BODY
Exercise is another way that I care for myself, but one I struggle to incorporate. It is a work in progress. I am motivated to do so because of the way I feel when I am consistently working out. I also find that choosing high quality, healthy food is a way to feel my best. Beyond that, I am so regimented when it comes to making appointments to monitor my health. I make a yearly appointment with my primary physician, my yearly woman well-check, a mammogram and my dermatologist. Every 6 months I see my cardiologist (more on that in a later post) and dentist. I actually make my next appointment for the following time before I leave the office and I like to stack these appointments, if possible, and take the day off. I am then able to squeeze in some coffee and a nail appointment while I'm out! I am in very good health, and keeping these appointments is a reason for that. I also like to include my beauty appointments in this category. Harcuts, color, massages, nails...you get the point. Keeping regular appointments for these makes a huge difference in my overall well-being.
SOUL
I have mentioned my morning routine several times, but it truly is wonderful for caring for my soul. Beginning my day with quiet and prayer makes all the difference. I actually look forward to waking up to have that focused time. I am keeping a journal of who/what I am praying for each month and I can already see where God is working. Attending mass weekly is another way I care for my soul. I especially love when my family can attend together. Spending time with my family and close friends keeps my soul in great shape as well.
Here is a top ten list of some of my favorite ways to take care of myself:
1. Pray.
2. Read.
3. Take a bath.
4. Shop.
5. Watch Netflix or DVR shows.
6. Get my nails done.
7. Go for a walk.
8. Organize.
9. Drink coffee or tea.
10. Enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine.
I would love to hear how you practice self-care! Help me with my research. :)
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