10 Self Care Tips

As a single mom taking care of both special needs kids and my disabled mom, it is extremely important to remember to take the time to take care of myself. I’ve always said, “You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself.” It really took me a long time to figure this out.

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Thankfully I got it figured out before I had kids but I lost friends when I wouldn’t meet my own needs. I put so much time and energy helping my friends and making sure they were taken care of that I didn’t leave enough time for myself. I did not realize that I kept using up my fuel tank for others, but never once used some of that energy, to refill my tank. A car can only go so far if you don’t stop for gas. I would always end up snapping and not able to function.

But all that has changed. I eventually realized the importance of refueling and slowly found ways to add to that tank. Over the years, I have amassed a list of various ways to take care of myself and now I want to share it with you.

1.  Journaling

One thing that always brings me closer to empty, is when my mind is so full of stuff that I can’t focus or sleep. One thought is followed by another and another. It’s an endless train of ideas, thoughts, worries, and replays. The best way for me to clear my head when I’m dealing with this, is journaling. Writing out what ever thoughts are flying through my mind always allows my mind to rest afterwards. Writing also prevents you from forgetting any new, amazing ideas you come up with. I don’t know about you but I am super forgetful most of the time. If I don’t write it down then I don’t remember it. A simple notebook or even just some clean paper and a pencil is all you really need. Or if you prefer to use technology you can type it up as well. I’ve used both. I honestly think I prefer actually writing it out. There is just something about focusing on my hand looping all the letters that really help center and calm my mind. I also am able to add sketches to my journal.

2.  Exercise

Keeping your body is good physical condition is very important in maintaining your health and well-being. Even a short walk a few times a week helps keep your sanity. Exercising releases endorphins, which are the feel good hormones that your body makes. These endorphins will help energize and lift your mood. I will load my kids into our double stroller and hit the block or the mall depending on the weather. I discovered that if we walk the outside perimeter of my local mall, not going into any stores, it is about a one mile loop. I measured it once with an app that tracks my walks. I have yet to figure out a good path in my new neighborhood but I used to have a route I walked in my old one that was about 3 miles. This semester I plan to visit the campus gym a few times as well. I will hopefully have a few days a week with some free time while the kids are at daycare and school and I’m hoping to use that for a little self-care.

3.  Hot bath or shower

When stress starts adding up, a hot bath or shower can relieve that stress. Whether you like sinking down into a hot bubble bath or letting the steamy water pound on your back, it can be amazingly relaxing. When I get the time to actually enjoy a shower or even soak in the tub, I never regret it. I usually just stand in the shower and let the hot water pound on the sore muscles in my back. Even if I don’t have the time to soak or enjoy, I take a moment to let the hot water pour on my back to relax. Even just a couple minutes is better than nothing.

4.  Pamper yourself occasionally

One way to really take care of yourself is to pamper yourself. Getting your nails done… Having a makeover… Getting a massage… All are different ways to pamper yourself. Everyone enjoys a little pampering. This is an obvious method of self-care. It is spending time on yourself. I don’t get to do this often but I never regret it.

5.  Listen to music

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Everyone’s taste in music is different but most people enjoy listening to some kind of music. Music feeds the soul and refills your inner tank. We turn music on to give me energy when I need to complete some housework. Added bonus is when we just decide to have a random dance party in our living room. If I’m feeling sad, I turn on some old school Linkin Park or Evanescence and jam out my sorrow. There is just so many different types of music. You can find one to fit every mood and situation.

6.  Eat a balance diet

Everyone knows that you have to eat a healthy balanced diet in order to stay healthy. You have to stay healthy in order to take care of others. If you are not healthy, then you will not be up to doing much for anyone else. A healthy diet needs to consist of mostly a variety of vegetables and fruits with healthy whole grains and small portions of meat. Portion control is also key. Over eating can cause a lot of not fun discomfort.

7.  Stay hydrated

Water is key to life. Staying hydrated allows your body to function at its best. I am not particularly fond of plain water most of the time, though. I usually try flavoring some the night before by slicing fruits and veggies and soaking them overnight to infuse the water. My favorite combination is lemon cucumber. You can really use any fruit or veggies you want. You can even use frozen fruit. I also prefer filtered water, so I try to keep a pitcher to filter my water available.

8.  Read a good book

I, personally, love reading. It’s an escape from this reality into a fantasy one. You can travel the universe, jump through time, or visit places only found in dreams. Reading can help take your mind off of any troubles or stressors. It can also just be enjoyable to help you refill your tank. You don’t have to purchase every book you read. See if you have a good local library system. Ours here is amazing. We have six different branches in town each with hundreds and hundreds of books to choose from. We also have the ability to do an interlibrary loan to get books from other library systems that ours does not carry. There are also ebooks that you can read. You don’t have to spend any money. Amazon regularly has ebooks you can “purchase” for free. Many times it is a first in a series to try to hook you and encourage you to purchase the rest but you don’t have to. They do also have single books in there and they change every day.

9.  Get plenty of sleep at night

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/good-nights-sleep

Sleep is when your body regenerates from all the wear and tear of the day. Your body and mind can’t function without rest. Sleeping at night is important too. Your body creates a hormone, melatonin, at night to naturally help you sleep. Sunset and the low light level triggers melatonin production. You also don’t want to be watching any screen late at night. The blue light from the screen tricks your brain into thinking it is still daytime and doesn’t produce the melatonin needed to put you to sleep.

10.  Treat yourself to something decadent

Lastly, treating yourself to something that you really enjoy like your favorite dessert or treat. Even healthy diets need a splurge occasionally. Just whatever is your favorite. Currently I am really enjoying ice cream sandwiches and Swiss Cake Rolls. Don’t go overboard or you end up with the same issues if you don’t eat a healthy diet.