January 2019 Self Care Challenge

Yesterday I had a chance to hang out with my husband which was nice. I went to Target to see about getting some pants. Not only was I able to shop in a regular store, but I was able to pull three pairs of pants off the rack and they all fit. Granted, they were a pinch too tight but nothing 2-5 pounds won't take care of, and I was at the largest size meaning limited selection. But, it still means that I am almost to the point where I don't need to go to specialty stores. I spent more than I wanted (I know $70 for three pairs of pants is not bad but I still have lingering poverty brain despite being in a good place now), but I need them for work. I got too small for all but one pair of pants.

Yesterday I also finished my CEUs for the year so I don't have to think about them again until April. Now I'm snuggling with the dog while I work on mentorship work. It actually feels really good to get back into the swing of it and I can't wait to be working full time.

I finished reading a book and went to read the next in the series but found I missed reading a novella in between. Until I can get and read that, I started reading Watership Down. I'm probably going to finish it quickly because I'm loving it so far, but also because the Netflix series looks amazing and I want to watch it without spoilng the book for myself. I'm trying to read more this year and start reading more modern classics. Handmaid's tale is on my list. Thanks for the extra inspiration @SaraKim17 !

Y'all really are great inspirations for self care.

Jan 6 self-care:
-Bible study
-Visited a church
-Attended a sporting event and ate responsibly
-Tracking all meals
-Found and enjoyed a good portion of a calorie-friendly dessert

Challenge this week: continuing to track, eat well and exercise as work picks up.

So far so good, I've been practicing my headspace mindfulness & yoga, going for a walk and also reading each day.
It's been easy up til this week though, as I was off work. Now the real challenge starts, with continuing all of this and work, whilst also remembering to take a break. I got so bad last year at eating at the desk and working 9.5 -10hrs a day with no real break! This year I am trying to be kinder to me, by taking a walk at lunch to get out the office and have a proper break.

January 8th:

Took some of my work staff out to dinner tonight. We had a lot of fun letting our hair down and relaxing while we got some work done. It was so fun it didn’t even feel like work.

Going to gym tonight and working out while my daughter has her basketball practice.

Reading a good book before going to sleep tonight.

RubyRed427 wrote: »

I bought this cute calendar at a craft fair last month. This is my self care chart for January. I can see that I do not eat enough veggies

@RubyRed427 Oh that is really cute!! Love it!

It's the new year, I need to be more mindful of my health and be more consistent in my efforts.
today:
journal food choices
make a meal with only one carb choice
Creating a contest in local weight group with 30 better healthy choices to win bingo
drink 64 oz water
check yoga video

SaraKim17 wrote: »

RubyRed427 wrote: »

I bought this cute calendar at a craft fair last month. This is my self care chart for January. I can see that I do not eat enough veggies

I love this, Julie! I actually made a "Habit Tracker" spreadsheet, but I haven't been using it. The calendar is great.

I have been sticking with my gratitude journal and my "write something every day" goal, but so far the writing is rather uninspired.

That calendar is a creative idea. Something simple to use and I am a visual person so that would help to to truly see if you are staying on track with self care. Thank you for sharing!!

I am thinking that if I consider some of the things that I need to do for myself as self care and I take the time to report back on what I actually do.....it will Keep me motivated and feeling accomplished
Went to bed when started to fall asleep on couch
Said NO to going out when I did not want to do, while in the past felt like I needed to please the other person more than myself
Was more aware of my evening snacks and made better choices

My intention is to check here several times a week IF not daily:)

So yesterday I had it all planned out how I was going to put myself first. I was going to leave work on time, I was going to go to the gym to workout, eat a healthy dinner with the family and read a good book before bed. I was 10 minutes away from escaping work to take care of my self needs. I was asked by another manager if I would be willing to meet with a new employee who was struggling with her new job. I agreed... put a time limit on how long I would meet with this person. I sat down with the individual to see what she is struggling with the most and we would come up with a plan for success. She tells me she is so nervous about this new job that she hadn’t slept in 28 hours. She feared she wasn’t up to speed like everyone else and feared she would lose her job. She then proceeded to tell me her dad is dying of stage 4 cancer and her mother is not able to physically care for her father. She moved out of her home and in with her parents to care for them. If she lost this job she did not know what she would do because she is the sole income for everyone. This totally broke my heart. I ended up canceling everything and worked with her till 8:30 last night. In the past I would have been mad or frustrated with myself for not saying no and not putting myself first. However putting another human being in pain ahead of my own selfishness is sometimes just as important. So I reflected on if I made the best decision for me! When this person got up to leave and expressed endless gratitude for me giving up my time to help her I knew in that moment that in helping her made me feel good and that was all the self care I needed for that day!! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

jmgr9993 wrote: »

So yesterday I had it all planned out how I was going to put myself first. I was going to leave work on time, I was going to go to the gym to workout, eat a healthy dinner with the family and read a good book before bed. I was 10 minutes away from escaping work to take care of my self needs. I was asked by another manager if I would be willing to meet with a new employee who was struggling with her new job. I agreed... put a time limit on how long I would meet with this person. I sat down with the individual to see what she is struggling with the most and we would come up with a plan for success. She tells me she is so nervous about this new job that she hadn’t slept in 28 hours. She feared she wasn’t up to speed like everyone else and feared she would lose her job. She then proceeded to tell me her dad is dying of stage 4 cancer and her mother is not able to physically care for her father. She moved out of her home and in with her parents to care for them. If she lost this job she did not know what she would do because she is the sole income for everyone. This totally broke my heart. I ended up canceling everything and worked with her till 8:30 last night. In the past I would have been mad or frustrated with myself for not saying no and not putting myself first. However putting another human being in pain ahead of my own selfishness is sometimes just as important. So I reflected on if I made the best decision for me! When this person got up to leave and expressed endless gratitude for me giving up my time to help her I knew in that moment that in helping her made me feel good and that was all the self care I needed for that day!! Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!!!

@jmgr9993 You are an angel! 😇
People are so inherently good, and want to help others!

I will be on the lookout today to see who might need help or a spirit lift!

@MadisonMolly2017 I love your positive self talk! It really is important and helps so much. Thanks for your inspiration.

Yesterday we went for a brisk, cold hike on a new trail 30 minutes from our home. Pic below. Husband and our kids had family date night after our hike. It was very enjoyable.

Today: we are in the middle of a snow storm. So it is beyond freezing cold outside. Hubby and I cuddled under the warm covers and talked for a good hour. We have been married for close to 18 years it’s been awhile since we have taken the time to cuddle and catch up on things like that. My husband asked me if I would be interested in doing a 40 day challenge where you do something nice or go above and beyond for your spouse in 40 days. I thought this was a great idea. After being married for so long things become habit or you take the extra special things your spouse does for grant it. So I’m excited to try it.

Update: the employee I spent time with on Thursday.. she came into work Friday with a pep in her step, a smile on her face, and for the first time since starting she looked relaxed. Plus most importantly I asked if she got any sleep and she did !!! Success 😊