May 2019 Self Care Challenge

RubyRed427

Self-care” is about doing things that help you feel less anxious, more Zen.

Self-care does not equal spa treatments and makeup, as much as the beauty industry dominates the media with articles implying that in order to sell more of that stuff. (Not that spa treatments and makeup are not OK if that’s what makes you chill out.)

Self-care is something everyone needs.

Check in here to get ideas from this list and share how you’re working on feeling better about life. Reading posts from others also helps find ways to thrive.

TheNaturalistHippie

This month I plan to devote minimum of 3 days a week to meditation.

kbmnurse1

I practice self care daily. Kids gone----love it!!!!!!!!!!! It's all about me.

RubyRed427

Tonight: mani and pedi (I haven’t had one since December), stretching and meditation before bed, reading a book before bed instead of being on my ipad.

RubyRed427

thisPGHlife

Yesterday I picked up a book from the library that I have been looking forward to reading and started reading a little bit. Today I am taking a break from the gym and I'm going to do some trail work on one of my sections that I haven't gotten done because if weather and schedule issues.

wcollett60

@rubyred427 thank you for sharing 22 selfcare ideas

My selfcare today was meditation yoga and listening to meditation music at work.

Heading out to enjoy the sunshine and a walk.

love1Jesus7

I also am getting used to not using my e-cig. As I go down in nicotine percent I have noticed a change in how much better I feel, and it gets easier and easier to not use it as much!

RubyRed427

Guided Meditation 20 min. , read Living magazine slowly turning pages, hot mint tea

Orphia

Before parkrun, I started tidying up an old (Helmut Lang - inspired) jacket I designed that I love dearly, and will be repairing. Also finished a digital drawing.

I was in charge of parkrun which is always stressful, but I was surprisingly relaxed (for me). Had a really good chat with a friend about his first 50 km run next weekend and hopefully helped him with some psychological strategies. Processing the results was a breeze today, yay.

It's my son's birthday this week, and he's asked for a nice box of assorted art/craft supplies. I'm having lots of fun looking in shops and getting things.

After walking down the street and home, I had a nice time scrolling down my FB feed that I haven't had time to do this week. Heard some nice news, and connected with some friends who'd been on my mind.

Then I did what I wanted, which was to read some stories in the New York Times style section.

You'd like this one:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/smarter-living/the-case-for-doing-nothing.html

PKM0515

FeelinFooFoo wrote: »

I gave myself a mini mani last night, I always feel better when I have taken even just a little bit of care with my nails (I used to be a bad nail biter so looking after them now shows myself self care I can actually see) and I have my planned salon trip for waxing, again my eye brow wax is a little treat just for me. I never used to go into salons, I was unwell for quite a long time (depression and various other things) so for me, every trip to the salon or hair salon reminds me how far iv came in my pursuit to take care of me 💜💃🏼 and show myself some love! Feels good.

I understand. 💕

My self-care lately has been walking mostly. Last Saturday, though, was a monthly "outside-of-work" lunch with co-workers. We've been doing this since November and are really enjoying it. Not everybody can make it every time, but we're having a nice, relaxing time with each other.

Today I made arrangements to meet two co-workers for a walk at a local park. (I think one may not show up, but I'm hoping she does.) I'm not sure if it's funny or sad (but it's definitely good), but three of us who sit very close together at work discovered a while ago that we're all Type II diabetics and we've become a support system for each other, sharing tips, encouragement, etc.

@FeelinFooFoo, I think you've convinced me to give myself a manicure this evening. (This happens maybe 5 times in a decade, but I'd like to make it a weekly habit.)

RubyRed427

Orphia wrote: »

Before parkrun, I started tidying up an old (Helmut Lang - inspired) jacket I designed that I love dearly, and will be repairing. Also finished a digital drawing.

I was in charge of parkrun which is always stressful, but I was surprisingly relaxed (for me). Had a really good chat with a friend about his first 50 km run next weekend and hopefully helped him with some psychological strategies. Processing the results was a breeze today, yay.

It's my son's birthday this week, and he's asked for a nice box of assorted art/craft supplies. I'm having lots of fun looking in shops and getting things.

After walking down the street and home, I had a nice time scrolling down my FB feed that I haven't had time to do this week. Heard some nice news, and connected with some friends who'd been on my mind.

Then I did what I wanted, which was to read some stories in the New York Times style section.

You'd like this one:

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/29/smarter-living/the-case-for-doing-nothing.html

Orphia, have you heard of diamond painting? It’s a relaxing activity where you put little beads down on a picture. Maybe your son would also like that.
https://paintwithdiamonds.com/blogs/pwd-insider/what-is-diamond-painting

I also love the article you shared from NYT!

PKM0515

Lol, @FeelinFooFoo, I'm going to! And I agree with you about the hand creams.

All three of us showed up for our walk, and we had a great time! We walked a county park path that follows a (small) river through a "wooded" area. We ended up walking for 2 hours and 20 minutes! After that, we decided to go out for lunch, then two of us headed to a "farm market" and got some really nice produce. Can't wait to do this again! (I planned to walk for an hour then come home and do paperwork, but I had a really nice day, so I think it was worth it.)

I hope I don't sound preachy, but if any of you have friends, co-workers, etc., that rarely or never get together, take a chance and try to arrange something. Often we tell ourselves, "Oh, they're probably too busy" or "They won't want to get together", but often it just takes one person to take the lead. I highly recommend it!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! 🌞 🌳 🌷

RubyRed427

Today’s self care: visiting the markets, buying some dried lavendar for a glass bottle vase, helping a friend in need (which makes me feel good as well).

Orphia

Thanks, Ruby!

SaraKim17 wrote: »

Lol, @FeelinFooFoo, I'm going to! And I agree with you about the hand creams.

All three of us showed up for our walk, and we had a great time! We walked a county park path that follows a (small) river through a "wooded" area. We ended up walking for 2 hours and 20 minutes! After that, we decided to go out for lunch, then two of us headed to a "farm market" and got some really nice produce. Can't wait to do this again! (I planned to walk for an hour then come home and do paperwork, but I had a really nice day, so I think it was worth it.)

I hope I don't sound preachy, but if any of you have friends, co-workers, etc., that rarely or never get together, take a chance and try to arrange something. Often we tell ourselves, "Oh, they're probably too busy" or "They won't want to get together", but often it just takes one person to take the lead. I highly recommend it!

I hope everyone is having a great weekend! 🌞 🌳 🌷

@SaraKim17 That sounds like a perfect day! You're so right about doing things like walks/runs with workmates! Highly recommend it!


Yesterday I soaked my feet while reading online and scrubbed my heels then touched up the silver toenail polish.

Today:

I went for a 12.5 km run and ran on a couple of roads I hadn't run on before. Love exploring on weekends!

Finished doing new hems on my jacket sleeves while watching/listening to a 1 hour 40 minute presentation by Facebook to its creators/developers about all the personal privacy/security improvements coming up.

Prepped my lunches for the week. It was the recipe I made up last weekend, and I loved eating it every day, so I'm having it again this week!

PuffyPattyCakes

Just came across this challenge and I am loving it! What a wonderful idea! For self care I made my own quiet sitting spot outside under a tree as far away from my house (family, dogs etc) as possible. I carry my journals, my Bible, other books, color markers, and a glass of lemonade out there. I write, read, and even doodle like a kid in my journals. Its very peaceful and gives my mind a mental reset. The extra vitamin D from the outdoors is a nice bonus.

MidwestAndHappy

Now that the weather is nicer, I want to spend more time outside. I work nights but now that the days are longer it should help. The vit. D will definitely help.

thisPGHlife

This weekend I visited with my sister. We went to the sheep and will festival and it was such an amazing time!! Yesterday I went hiking. Today my husband and I worked in the garden. Later I am hoping to finish putting together or bookcase, do a little reading, do a little painting, and snuggle with the dog. We are going to grill some veggies and salmon and I'm looking forward to it. Everything tastes better on the grill and grilling really feels like self care to me.

missminnick

This challenge sounds amazing!! I find myself caught up in the busy of the day and usually forget to take time for myself! Great job finding time to show your self some love! Thinking this challenge is just right for me. ❤️

PKM0515

Continuing to walk every day (today was a bit of a struggle).

Got a few items out for our bulk refuse pick up tomorrow. Only three items, but I was having "detachment" issues.

Not sure I should post this, but I've been wanting pizza for quite some time. I decided to treat myself to a thin crust bar pie (half pepper/half olive). Delish! 😋

rondajones2003

My self care for May is to write in my gratitude journal 3 times a week as that always helps me to focus on the positive in my life.