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.