Self-Care Ideas
It can be really tough to take care of yourself right now. Work might be busy, you might be home with your kids, or you might be focused on getting through each day and not have the mental space to attend to your own self-care. I hear that. However, taking care of yourself is a must and I want to challenge you to try to work some of these things into your day/week. Here is a long list of some things you can try. One of my favorites is acting like a tourist in your own city. Now granted at the moment, activities can be limiting because of things being shut down, however, there are still some great outdoor activities to do. In Baltimore, consider visiting Clyburn Arboretum, the NCR or Jones Falls trails, Rawlings Conservatory, or taking a stroll through historic Mount Vernon.
Be well.
going for a photo walk
going to the forest
a bath at the end of the day
going for bike rides
finding overgrown grass and putting my bare feet and it
lying in the grass on the hill and staring up at the sky
cooking a meal for myself and being really present
getting up early and reading inspirational books
journaling
walking with my dogs
nature
going places–getting a change of scenery
trying new things in general
guided meditation
listening to books and music
face-to-face conversations with people
gratitude journal
better diet
trying to live more authentically
not skipping sleep to get things done
trying to multitask less
scheduling time to myself every day
reading blogs from people who are honest
reading for pleasure
resting with my cat a few feet away
yoga
running
getting my hair done
getting a manicure
baking
hiding
knitting
spinning
online classes
just for fun novels
crafting
being able to set limits for myself
asking for what I need
taking time for slow contemplative morning coffee
cuddling with my pets
taking my vitamins
burning candles
waking up naturally–no alarm clock
eating when I feel like it–not by the clock
eating a fresh bagel at a local shop while doing a crossword puzzle
chocolate
daily stretching
good movies
getting massages
working with a life coach
prayer
paying attention to my breathing
gathering flowers from my garden
planting flowers in my garden for later gathering
art journaling
stealing a few moments to lie on my bed when the afternoon sun is streaming in through the window
coffee at coffee shops
centering prayer
mindfulness
forgiveness of others so I don’t carry that stuff around
simplifying
a glass of wine at the end of the day
fresh air
eclectic playlists
live music
bookclub
support groups
creating a comfortable house that truly is my home
taking myself out to eat
move my body–dance, exercise, run
dress up in the way I want to feel
taking action
laughter
tears
hot shower
giving back with my time
being a tourist in my own city
lunch dates with good friends
green smoothies
learn to be with and accept my feelings
have adventures and drive to new places
spend less time on the Internet and social media
read the newspaper on Sundays at a café
read poetry or inspiring quotes
volunteering
