2 mins read
Taking Care of Yourself Enables You to Take Care of Those You Love. When we’re busy taking care of others, one of the very first things we neglect is taking care of ourselves. However, you probably know already that it’s when we take care of our own needs that we can most effectively, compassionately, and thoroughly care for those around us.
So take some time today to do something just for you. It doesn’t have to require a babysitter, and it doesn’t have to take up much of your time. The simple act of doing something for yourself can work to make you feel stronger, restore your sense of peace, and fill you with hope for what lies ahead.
- Take a long walk.
- Watch a yoga video or (Netflix show..) …and make time to do it twice a week.
- Read a fiction book or short story that you can totally lose yourself in.
- Write your life story.
- Daydream.
- Try a new recipe.
- Get a babysitter and go to a movie alone.
- Write a letter to a friend.
- Smile.
- Set the timer, close your eyes, and breathe deeply for five minutes.
- Read a magazine.
- Clean your house – it’s a great stress reliever!
- Sit outside and breathe fresh air.
- Get up fifteen minutes early so you can linger over a cup of coffee.
- Swap play dates with a neighbor so you can each enjoy a few minutes of solitude.
- Bake a scrumptious dessert just for you.
- Re-read something that has been especially encouraging to you.
- Write in a journal.
- Go to a park and sit on the swings with your kids.
- Go to bed an hour early.
- Watch the sunset.
- Listen to soothing music.
- Grow something, such as a house plant or fresh herbs.
- Sit with a cup of hot chocolate or some hot tea.
- Surround yourself with pictures of the people you love and things you care about.
- Give yourself permission to say “No” to something you really don’t have time for or are not interested in.
- Say “Yes” to something you’d really like to do!
- Express your creativity.
- Lend a hand to someone in need.
- Hug your kids!
