‘Self-care’, sounds so indulgent, doesn’t it?
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you” ~ Katie Reed
Well you will be pleased to know that self-care really does matters! And if we are to be intentional in how we care for our children, we need to be able to take care of ourselves first. As we say in child care, we are the tool. To be an effective care giver we, the tool, have to be performing optimally.
If you google ‘Self care’, you will be amazed at the wealth of information that is available. I found the following article particularly interesting; Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself | Psychology Today – but here is the thing, I first heard of the term ‘self care’ when I started my training in 1986, I have attended numerous workshops and trainings that speak to its importance, have read up on it and given advice on it to staff over the years but, 35 years later I still wrestle with this important need. Finding that balance between body, mind, and soul is the key. I have learnt that the most important point of ‘self care’ is to be gentle with myself, just be kind to myself. So instead of feeling that I have failed because I have not managed to fit the ‘12 Ways to Take Better Care of Myself’ into my life, I aim to do one, just one and to do it consistently and well.
So start by choosing one of these ideas and choose to do it well. Your children and friends will be thrilled to have the improved version of you to interact with.
1. Get enough sleep.
2. Take care of your gut.
3. Exercise daily.
4. Develop healthy eating habits.
5. Learn how to say no to others.
6. Plan a spoil trip.
7. Spend time alone in the garden/park.
8. Stroke your pet.
9. Get organized.
10. Cook comforting food.
11. Read a book.
12. Schedule time for yourself and guard this time with everything you have.