August Self-Care Challenge

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  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »
    HatherM wrote: »
    As part of my uni dissertation I am looking at self-care, and it made me interested what do YOU class as self-care for yourself? How do you look after yourself?

    I'll go first... I have always struggled with relaxing, and was put off 'self-care' for years as it sounded expensive, or something unattainable for me. Now I see it as listening to my body, if I need a break or time off doing something then do that, trying not to give myself a hard time or feel guilty for it. I personally class my yoga and Headspace as my 'me-time' each morning, because I'm doing that for me and it makes me feel better about myself and sets me up for a better day than without it :smile:

    Yes, a question this group has led me to ask myself as well!

    Stage 1: At first, I counted meal prep, decluttering, etc but after a month, I decided that these were really more productivity motivated.

    So, I started to think about what would really make me feel cared for. Breakfast outside was the first one (thanks to @rheddmobile) and that led to bubble baths, reading a magazine, lotion on feet, etc.

    Stage 3: I decided what would be self-care is making art, writing, being out in nature, going on field trips/seeing friends, and reading books.

    Stage 4: current transformation of Self-Care: a deeper classification of Stage 3.
    These things make me happy...

    1. Incubation/Gathering inspiration: nature, reading, field trips/museums, internet searches, favorite artists, learning about new art media. Learning.

    2. Ideation/Experimenting/Playing with ideas, images, text: doodling, idea sketching, imagining, experimenting, journal writing, brainstorming, & doing art or writing in a non- or semi-planned state. Playing.

    3. Creating: making a piece of art, writing an essay or piece of fiction. Committing. Persevering. Focusing on Process. Growing.

    4. Rejuvenating/Relaxing: coloring, petting cat, baths, Netflix, calling a friend, taking a stroll, reading for pleasure, iPhone apps. Resting.

    @MadisonMolly2017 Wow, that's a fantastic post! So insightful!

    I want to do more playing after reading that.

    I might have been focusing a lot on productivity-driven stuff, such as completing artwork, articles, or study, not exploring.

    Thank you so much!

  • MadisonMolly2017
    MadisonMolly2017 Posts: 11,152 Member
    Orphia wrote: »
    MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »
    HatherM wrote: »
    As part of my uni dissertation I am looking at self-care, and it made me interested what do YOU class as self-care for yourself? How do you look after yourself?

    I'll go first... I have always struggled with relaxing, and was put off 'self-care' for years as it sounded expensive, or something unattainable for me. Now I see it as listening to my body, if I need a break or time off doing something then do that, trying not to give myself a hard time or feel guilty for it. I personally class my yoga and Headspace as my 'me-time' each morning, because I'm doing that for me and it makes me feel better about myself and sets me up for a better day than without it :smile:

    Yes, a question this group has led me to ask myself as well!

    Stage 1: At first, I counted meal prep, decluttering, etc but after a month, I decided that these were really more productivity motivated.

    So, I started to think about what would really make me feel cared for. Breakfast outside was the first one (thanks to @rheddmobile) and that led to bubble baths, reading a magazine, lotion on feet, etc.

    Stage 3: I decided what would be self-care is making art, writing, being out in nature, going on field trips/seeing friends, and reading books.

    Stage 4: current transformation of Self-Care: a deeper classification of Stage 3.
    These things make me happy...

    1. Incubation/Gathering inspiration: nature, reading, field trips/museums, internet searches, favorite artists, learning about new art media. Learning.

    2. Ideation/Experimenting/Playing with ideas, images, text: doodling, idea sketching, imagining, experimenting, journal writing, brainstorming, & doing art or writing in a non- or semi-planned state. Playing.

    3. Creating: making a piece of art, writing an essay or piece of fiction. Committing. Persevering. Focusing on Process. Growing.

    4. Rejuvenating/Relaxing: coloring, petting cat, baths, Netflix, calling a friend, taking a stroll, reading for pleasure, iPhone apps. Resting.

    @MadisonMolly2017 Wow, that's a fantastic post! So insightful!

    I want to do more playing after reading that.

    I might have been focusing a lot on productivity-driven stuff, such as completing artwork, articles, or study, not exploring.

    Thank you so much!

    @Orphia
    Thank you so much!
    We can encourage each other!!!
  • HatherM
    HatherM Posts: 404 Member
    MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »
    Orphia wrote: »
    MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »
    HatherM wrote: »
    As part of my uni dissertation I am looking at self-care, and it made me interested what do YOU class as self-care for yourself? How do you look after yourself?

    I'll go first... I have always struggled with relaxing, and was put off 'self-care' for years as it sounded expensive, or something unattainable for me. Now I see it as listening to my body, if I need a break or time off doing something then do that, trying not to give myself a hard time or feel guilty for it. I personally class my yoga and Headspace as my 'me-time' each morning, because I'm doing that for me and it makes me feel better about myself and sets me up for a better day than without it :smile:

    Yes, a question this group has led me to ask myself as well!

    Stage 1: At first, I counted meal prep, decluttering, etc but after a month, I decided that these were really more productivity motivated.

    So, I started to think about what would really make me feel cared for. Breakfast outside was the first one (thanks to @rheddmobile) and that led to bubble baths, reading a magazine, lotion on feet, etc.

    Stage 3: I decided what would be self-care is making art, writing, being out in nature, going on field trips/seeing friends, and reading books.

    Stage 4: current transformation of Self-Care: a deeper classification of Stage 3.
    These things make me happy...

    1. Incubation/Gathering inspiration: nature, reading, field trips/museums, internet searches, favorite artists, learning about new art media. Learning.

    2. Ideation/Experimenting/Playing with ideas, images, text: doodling, idea sketching, imagining, experimenting, journal writing, brainstorming, & doing art or writing in a non- or semi-planned state. Playing.

    3. Creating: making a piece of art, writing an essay or piece of fiction. Committing. Persevering. Focusing on Process. Growing.

    4. Rejuvenating/Relaxing: coloring, petting cat, baths, Netflix, calling a friend, taking a stroll, reading for pleasure, iPhone apps. Resting.

    @MadisonMolly2017 Wow, that's a fantastic post! So insightful!

    I want to do more playing after reading that.

    I might have been focusing a lot on productivity-driven stuff, such as completing artwork, articles, or study, not exploring.

    Thank you so much!

    @Orphia
    Thank you so much!
    We can encourage each other!!!

    I can assure you that play is the most fundamental thing humans (and animals) can do... I've spent a year writing about the importance of play... so I love reading this... GO PLAY, in whatever form that suits you :smile:
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    Having a rest day from significant exercise, in preparation for a long run tomorrow.

    Just my 5 min handstand practice and 3 short walks to do errands a few blocks away.

    Studying the musculoskeletal system & aging.

    Watched some videos on handstands.
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    Today I planted Asparagus crowns. Asparagus is a perennial that can live up to 30 years! I won't get a crop for 2 years, but they are supposed to be prolific after that. Last week I'd seen that the crowns were being sold in Aldi today, and I made sure I went in to get some.

    n88zlcgyvovu.jpg
  • HatherM
    HatherM Posts: 404 Member
    Have some family coming over this afternoon for food and my nephews birthday celebration, so got up and did my yoga and mindfulness, shopped and cleaned. Now I can have an hour chill before everyone turns up :smile:

    How's everyone's weekend shaping up?
  • Idontcareyoupick
    Idontcareyoupick Posts: 2,854 Member
    Read yesterday's. My special treat should arrive in the mail today so I'll get to enjoy that
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    I'd love to see anyone's artwork they've done if you feel like sharing. :heart:
  • MadisonMolly2017
    MadisonMolly2017 Posts: 11,152 Member
    Thanks @Orphia
    I may some in awhile :)
    Aug 11: jumped in & started creating another art project.
    Took photos on my walk for another project idea I have!

    Aug 12:
    Worked several times on new project. Began treating it as a tough draft!!

    Really enjoying my “no stress” art play!
  • HatherM
    HatherM Posts: 404 Member
    Spent the weekend doing yoga, mindfulness, walking and celebrating my nephews birthday, so food side wasn't great, but lots of fun and good quality family time had :smile:
  • lorrainequiche59
    lorrainequiche59 Posts: 900 Member
    I've just been reading all the suggestions & find that I do some of these quite regularly. There was a point in my life where I really had to focus on doing nurturing things for myself, but as I read through this thread I see where I have made some progress in caring for myself.

    I'm thinking it is interesting that this is an all female thread LOL Unless I've missed a random male on here. Anyway, I don't know why that should surprise me in any way. I suppose it's because as women we've been conditioned to take care of others & men haven't been so much??
  • twyla77
    twyla77 Posts: 445 Member
    Got away from my desk for a few hours today into a quiet area of the office with my laptop & headphones. Got a lot of writing done for an article that is due soon!
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,378 Member
    Thanks to the friends who suggested Yoga by Adrienne; I did a much need hip
    Flexor 6 min video and like her style and personality.
  • Idontcareyoupick
    Idontcareyoupick Posts: 2,854 Member
    Did Zumba and will stretch before bed. Good day
  • HatherM
    HatherM Posts: 404 Member
    RubyRed427 wrote: »
    Thanks to the friends who suggested Yoga by Adrienne; I did a much need hip
    Flexor 6 min video and like her style and personality.

    Yay glad you enjoyed... I also love her style and drop in and out of practice, but have so far committed to a month of yoga... Her and her team have yoga calendars for each month, if you ever want to follow or drop in and out of :smile:
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,378 Member
    @Orphia ahhhhh that is the sweetest gesture ; thank you so much I will take a screen shot and save it. Thanks for your kindness xoxo. It's very accurate - you have talent !
  • Orphia
    Orphia Posts: 7,097 Member
    edited August 2018
    So glad you like it. :)<3

    I remembered to "Play" and that's what happened. :)
  • brightresolve
    brightresolve Posts: 1,024 Member
    I have stumbled on this thread before. Since it is now officially "Halfway through August" I am thinking of joining in for the second half of this month...

    I usually have a free-form bullet journal going where I check off a daily self care item. I fell down on this the last 3 weeks because of some unusual work hours and extra work and life stress ... guess what, right when I needed more conscious self care was when I wasn't paying as much attention to it. I am clear that it's time to BANK some self care for the next time there is crisis.

    8/15 - went for a walk on break with my friend.
  • MadisonMolly2017
    MadisonMolly2017 Posts: 11,152 Member
    Aug 13
    Worked a little in my art piece.
    Gave my hair love & attention :))))) playing with different products & stylings!

    Aug 14
    Got some great tips from a nice, informative, non-pushy clerk at local store in choosing some make up brushes, concealer, & even a mask! (Never used one before. Spa Day soon :)

    Saw a friend, called another friend to see her later this week & called a family member to schedule/an their upcoming b-day party! Seeing friends & family is self-care for me!!!

    Today
    In massive need of self-care. Will do.
  • lorrainequiche59
    lorrainequiche59 Posts: 900 Member
    @RubyRed Very creative...I love the colors. You GO girl!!
  • donimfp
    donimfp Posts: 795 Member
    I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration lurking here. Thanks! Today I used a Korean sheet mask a friend gave me. It was “Cheer Up Face” from The Creme Shop. It was soooo cool and refreshing and my skin was dewy and soft and I couldn’t stop touching it. Also, the mask is a zebra face! So I took a selfie and sent it to my 4-year-old granddaughter who freaked out with glee. A lot of mileage from a little $2 package.

    @Orphia and @RubyRed427, your art is incredible!!! Wow! I wish I could hang @RubyRed’s in my house. I wouldn’t hang @Orphia’s only because it would be weird to hang a picture of RubyRed in my house. But what a lovely likeness.
  • RubyRed427
    RubyRed427 Posts: 4,378 Member
    donimfp wrote: »
    I’ve gotten a lot of inspiration lurking here. Thanks! Today I used a Korean sheet mask a friend gave me. It was “Cheer Up Face” from The Creme Shop. It was soooo cool and refreshing and my skin was dewy and soft and I couldn’t stop touching it. Also, the mask is a zebra face! So I took a selfie and sent it to my 4-year-old granddaughter who freaked out with glee. A lot of mileage from a little $2 package.

    @Orphia and @RubyRed427, your art is incredible!!! Wow! I wish I could hang @RubyRed’s in my house. I wouldn’t hang @Orphia’s only because it would be weird to hang a picture of RubyRed in my house. But what a lovely likeness.

    Thanks so much! And you made me laugh too. Xoxo
  • HatherM
    HatherM Posts: 404 Member
    RubyRed427 wrote: »
    Hi friends, as some of you know this is my third month in painting class. I'm learning a lot l, but the best part is for two hours I'm just focused on the task at hand. Here's tonight's painting ; it's hard to get things proportional, but I liked the color scheme.

    Love it :smile:

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