June 2019 Self-care Challenge

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

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.


Firstly, some suggestions for when we’re struggling:

https://themighty.com/2018/08/realistic-self-care-ideas/

Get out of bed.
Brush your teeth.
Wash your face.
Shower, even if you just get in and rinse off! The water might feel amazing for you.
Eat something. Even if it’s just a cracker or some bread. Just get something in your belly!
Walk out onto your back porch. Stand there for 10 seconds and then if you want, go back inside. Great job, you made it outside! If you feel like it, take a short walk. Get some sunshine!
Put on your favourite TV show or movie.
Check your email and clear your inbox. Respond to anything that is important.
Change your sheets.
Check your actual mail.
Stay hydrated. Fill up a water bottle and keep it close by.
Take your medication.
Stretch. This can be a small quick stretch on the couch or some yoga.
Check your text messages and answer those from people who are important or worried about you.
Pay any bills you might have to avoid late fees.
Change your clothes if you didn’t when you first got out of bed.
If you have a pet, make sure they are good on their food and water. Nothing feels worse than your pet having an empty water or food bowl and you not being aware of it!
Do a creative hobby that you like.
Open up the blinds to let the light come into your house.
Watch a funny video. Laugh.


Here are some ideas that might help you feel better:

Tidy a space – a table, a drawer, a cupboard.
Discuss what feelings or insights you both had today with a loved one, without gossiping.
Watch a TED talk or YouTube instructional video about something you wondered about recently.
Go outside for a walk or a bike ride, or to just sit, and enjoy the outdoors.
Enjoy your time on social media without feeling guilty or rushed. Use it as downtime and as a treat.
When scrolling on Facebook and you see something or someone that always annoys you, let it go and unfollow them.
Smile.
Edit a photo, draw a picture, write about your thoughts.
Do an exercise you love.
Breathe in for 3 seconds, hold for 2, then out for 3 seconds, hold for 2. Do this 10 times.
Try a new recipe.
Stretch.
Say no to something without feeling guilty.
Go to bed on time.
Give someone a compliment.
Contact an old friend and ask them something you’ve been wondering about them.
Go for a walk at lunch instead of sitting or shopping.
Make a sandwich or bring some leftovers to work for lunch for once if you always eat out.
See how much you can save one week/day by not buying coffee or eating out, and put that money in your retirement fund or savings account, even if it’s only a small amount.
Trim your fingernails and/or toenails
Make that medical appointment you’ve been putting off
Visit an online energy company comparison platform to see if you’re able to save on bills by switching providers
Meal prep or plan recipes for your lunches and/or dinners
Schedule a block of time on the weekend and plan some self-care or meetup with friends to look forward to.


Finally, some ideas for your list of “Absolute Nos”

https://psychcentral.com/blog/3-self-care-strategies-to-transform-your-life/

Don’t rush.
Don’t spend more on your credit card than you can repay at payday.
Don’t gossip.
Don’t answer the phone during dinner.
Don’t go to bed late and don’t sleep in.
Don’t buy things you don’t have space for.


Happy June!