Self Care

Taking care of ourselves is important yet so hard. As a wife and mom to three kids, I've put myself last on the list of everything I take care of. It's a common theme among most women I know. It's easier to put yourself last. You promise yourself that one day you will take the time to do the things you like to do. If you wait too long, like I have, you don't even know what you want to do, what you like or sadly, how to even care for yourself.

After many years of putting myself last, I've realized that I need to love myself enough to practice self care. That my children and husband will actually survive if I do, even if they think they won't. If anything everyone in my life will benefit if I'm taking care of myself.

The whole idea of self care is overwhelming. At first, I went the "normal" route, thinking self care was about diet and exercise and to some degree it is. However, I look at the diet aspect as eating good food that makes your body feel satisfied and healthy. That means different things to everyone. I personally feel best when I eat gluten free, dairy free. Exercise is different for everyone as well. I have chronic pain with fatigue so my activity needs to be gentle. I can't run, I can't even walk fast. But I love yoga, pilates and short walks.

I have also made the decision to dress comfortably. I absolutely refuse to wear clothes that are too tight or shoes that kill my feet. I have IBS and being a woman, I get bloated so I make sure I have comfy clothes for those times too. I buy colors that I like and fabrics that feel good.

I'm trying to carve out time everyday to do something I enjoy. I crochet, read, take pictures, spend time on twitter or pinterest.

I try to listen to my body and rest when I need to even when my to do list is a mile long. That's a hard one for me and I don't always do it. However, sometimes I do and it's not about being perfect. Self care includes being nicer, more accepting of yourself. I am my own worst critic, always thinking I should be doing more or doing it better.

There's more ways to take care of yourself like seeing your doctor regularly, yearly dental exams, having your hair cut, treating yourself to a mani/pedi or massage, calling a friend, snuggle a purring cat.

What are ways you practice self care? Is it something you're good at or are you like me and working on it?

Comments

[NotablyNicole]

I'm so happy you are doing this. I feel like we are of no good to ourselves by caving and doing everything for everyone else. I dress comfortably too. I hate being miserable in tight jeans, I like stretch. That doesn't mean we have to look frumpy, it just means that we want to feel comfortable. I have been eating more, so I need to start exercising and cutting back on calories. I know it can be done, I've done it before. I look forward to watching your progress. xoxo

[Cathy S]

Good for you! Like I always say, if you don't take care of yourself, you won't have anything left to give to the people you love so much, so you have to do it for them as much as for you. And you deserve it too, you really do!!!!!