Again on Self-Care
Since I am on vacation I thought I would recycle an oldie and goodie from 2020 on self-care. I have practiced self-care on my vacation — walks, taking in some rays, reading, and resting. Maybe R&R should stand for read and relax and not relax and rest.
When I was in my teens, Robitussin ran an ad campaign called “Dr.Mom.” One commercial showed the mom is sick in a bed. Then she takes Robitussin and feels better. So much so that she goes into the kitchen to see her family making her breakfast in bed and making a complete mess in the kitchen. (Link to commercial here)
At this point, I would go back to bed. However, I don’t want to get to the point this mom does. How can I accomplish this? Simple, self-care. Taking care of oneself will help you physically, mentally, and spiritually. Self-care will look different for each person.
“Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept, in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.” (PhyschCentral.com)
For some self-care is…
A jog in the park
Birdwatching
Doing a crossword puzzle
Attending a virtual religious service
Talking to a friend
Getting a manicure/pedicure
A glass of wine in the evening
We must do a form of self-care. We must do what is right for us. Just because your sister meditates doesn’t mean it is right for you. Just because your colleague paints doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Just because your partner has a daily Yoga practice doesn’t mean it’s right for you. I journal every morning and night as a form of self-care (just a suggestion). Journaling may not work for you as it does for me.
“Practicing self-care can help you sleep better, improve focus, and strengthen relationships. That positive daily routine can support a happier, healthier outlook so you can enjoy the good times…” (FindYourWords.com)
Benefits also include…
Stress reduction
Clarity of mind
Immunity boost
Confidence builder
Positive attitude
Increase in productivity
At present, self-care is having its hey-day. With the polarization in this nation, the pandemic, and for parents, remote schooling is taking their toll on our mental, physical and spiritual selves. There is no sitting in the pews and reflecting. There is no pumping iron at the gym. There is no school lunch provided. All people have added to their plates whether it’s a mom that is now a short-order cook or having to do your hair because salons and barbershops were closed or a doctor doing tele-visits. Not to mention the stress on essential workers—medical professionals, law enforcement, restaurant staff, and delivery people (I plan to double my holiday tip for my mail person). No wonder self-care is having its hey-day.
Why did it take a pandemic to wake us up to the idea of self-care and it’s importance? Simple, ingenuity. For a lot self-care was an aerobics class, getting a haircut, meeting friends for dinner, or visiting family. All of this went away with the “pandemic” shutdown. So, we had to come up with new ways to self-care. We created exercise routines at home, including family dance parties, a glass of wine in the evenings, a Netflix date night with your partner, or returning to a hobby. With the warm weather, I saw a neighbor sitting out and doing needlepoint on many occasions. I have known this neighbor a few years and never knew she did needlepoint.
So, what is the point of this article? Three things…
Self-care is important to practice regularly
Self-care activities are an individual choice (and should be something that you like)
It will help us better handle the uncertainty of the current environment, be more resilient, and focus on what we can control.
So here is my self-care plan…
Journal every morning and night
Walk everyday
Stretch and strength train 3X a week
Treat me to a quiet Sunday afternoon with a decadent coffee drink and a good read.
To remind me daily that I am only human and doing the best I can is enough
For this article, I reached out to my friend, Cindy, who is a Reiki Master and energy healer for a self-care exercise (see below). When I have trouble going to sleep or going back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, I focus on my breathing and it does the trick for getting zzz'z.
Exercise: A simple way to re-connect with yourself and to re-charge is to do a series of 3 breaths following this pattern: 5 count inhale, 5 count holding of that breath, 5 count exhale & 5 counts of remaining empty and still. And then repeat 2 more times. If you place your hands on your heart, close your eyes, and plant your feet on the ground - the series is even more potent. It is with our hearts that we know in a quiet way; what we feel, what we love and where we desire to move. Our minds are fabulous but when we are anxious and stressed, they are in overdrive. After finishing the series of breaths and with your hands still on your hearts, whisper - “I hear you heart. I hear you.” And then take a moment to listen.