I had a really good conversation with a friend a few weeks ago at a powwow in Durant, OK. Part of the discussion was about self-care. How important it is, and the different ways she has found to do this for herself.
My boss and colleagues talk about self-care. We are therapists so it’s vitally important to us and our clients that we stay healthy: physically, mentally and emotionally. Speaking only for myself, I add spiritual health to the list. Self-care is for everyone because we all have our own stress that is unique to each one of us.
I honestly used to believe that self-care meant a pedicure or massage, or making sure I get a workout in. Massages and pedicures cost money, and many times I don’t want to spend the money. Sometimes I’m too tired or busy to workout, or it feels too strenuous to be self-care….sometimes it seems like self-torture, and who wants to do that?
After we got our dog, I quickly discovered how therapeutic a loving dog truly is. He loves to snuggle, as the picture shows. I can always feel my stress melt away when he, and now our 2nd dog Sissy, come running to greet me after work. I realized how much our big puppies contribute to our wellbeing and how they contribute to our self-care needs.
So here is another bulleted list, this time of self-care ideas. Some from my friend and some I’ve discovered myself. And most of them cost little to nothing except time.
- Coffee at home in quiet and solitude
- Reading a book
- Taking a walk
- Walking or snuggling my big puppies
- Having friends/family over for a simple breakfast/lunch/dinner
- Watching a TedTalk on YouTube
- Taking a bath. I did this recently and used Epsom Salts, lavender oil, a pure beeswax candle, and played my music on a Bluetooth speaker
- Actually picking up the phone and calling a friend or family member to visit. So much better than texting.
- Sitting outside in the evening after it’s dark and looking at the sky
- Using a meditation app
- Getting out of the house to do something not work or housework related – go watch a youth or high school or local college game
- Check out a new walking path in your city
- Laugh
- Dance
- Bake something from scratch and enjoy with a cup of your favorite hot beverage
- Write in a journal
- Breathing exercises
- Self-massage techniques
- Go to a meeting (if in a 12-Step program)
- Plan a game night with friends
- USE the fancy coffee mug for your morning coffee
- Visit your local library
- Paint ceramics
- Color with crayons or markers or pencils, either free-hand or a coloring book
- Have a morning ritual that involves spirituality and gratitude
- Make a new music playlist
These are just some ideas that I hope gets people thinking about how they can take care of themselves. I’ve learned the importance of nourishing not only my body, but my mind, my heart and my spirit. I can’t be my best for my family or my job if I ignore what I need.