In our last blog, we discussed planning self-care. Great. With all of this going on, I need to take care of myself.
What does that even look like? How do I do that?
Self care looks different for everyone. It is whatever you want and need it to be. However, there are some similarities.
First, think about what makes you happy. What activities help you to reduce stress and relax? This is where you can start.
Self care doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant – it can be simple small things that take care of you.
Free and inexpensive ideas:
- Read a good book
- Sit outside and just be
- Make some popcorn and watch a movie
- Eat a healthy meal
- Hydrate with water
- Spend some time journaling your thoughts
- Identify where you might need some help and ask for it
- Take a walk
- Exercise
- Getting outside in nature
- Yoga or gentle stretching
- Say yes to what you want & no to what you do not want
- Not answering the phone or emails
- Making a call or writing that email
- Meditate or pray
- Attend a free concert at a school or community event
- Take a bubble bath
- Watch a funny show or video
- Deep breathing
- Listen to uplifting music
Moderately priced ideas:
- Go out for lunch with a good friend
- Buy yourself some flowers
- Going out to a favorite coffee/tea/yogurt shop
- See a show
- Attend a concert
- Go somewhere just for a change of scenery (a short trip somewhere)
- Take a day trip to a place you’ve never been
- Get a massage or facial or mani-pedi
Splurges and more expensive (Plan for these):
- Take a trip somewhere you have always wanted to go
- Go out to eat at a fancy nice restaurant
- Check into a hotel or airbnb for a change of scenery and get away
- Splurge for a spa day
- Pay for a house cleaner or organizer
- Get a yard maintenance person
- Experience or learn something new
- Have an adventure – zipline, skydive, diving, hiking, etc.
- Buy that fancy purse or item that you have been wanting
Whatever you choose to do, just remember that you have to take care of you before you can take care of anyone else. Though it may sound cliche, you truly cannot pour from an empty cup. You need to take time to refill yourself and recharge. Pick something that makes you happy or reduces your stress and make some time for that activity. Schedule these on your calendar and take care of YOU!
Remember It’s OK to Take Good Care of You
If you have some other ideas about self-care, we would love to hear them.
Please share our site and resources with others in your life who might benefit from our work. We would also like to ask that you let us know if there is anything additional you would like to see in our site. Please contact us here.
Peace & Blessings,
Jeni & Teresa
PS: For additional support you can download our free copy of 10 Ways to Move Forward After Loss
Torn in Half: The First Days as a resource for the first days after a loss – available on Amazon in paperback and ebook.
