Self-Care For Adults
...Because Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers are important too.
What is Self-Care?
Self-Care is doing things to take care of yourself. It is not for a certain economic status, a single gender, and it doesn't have to be overindulgent. It is a hot shower before bed, turning off the T.V. to get some sleep, it can take just a few minutes, and it is doing what is best for yourself even if it doesn't always feel good (like leg day).
Why is it important?
Self-Care is always important but during times of uncertainty it is more important than ever! It helps us maintain balance, heath relationship, and be able to support the people we care about when they are in need.
Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It’s A Discipline.
"Ironically when you truly care for yourself, exercising all the discipline that requires, you are actually in a much stronger place to give of yourself to those around you. You will be a happier parent, a more grateful spouse, a fully engaged colleague. Those who take care of themselves have the energy to take care of others joyfully because that caregiving doesn’t come at their own expense. And those who take care of themselves also have the energy to work with meaning and purpose toward a worthy goal. Which means they are also the people most likely to make the world a better place for all of us. "
Self-Care Ideas
We are in this together and we will get through it together!
We are a family!
Yoga and Meditation
Write Yourself a Love letter!
Older children can do it too!
This is one of my favorite activities!
Write a letter to yourself speaking to all the things that make you special, important, and loveable. It will make you feel good in the moment. Then put it in an envelope and tuck it away for a time when you are feeling down.
Example:
Dear Self,
Thank you for all you have done this week. When putting in extra hours at work you have taken the time for self-care.
You are a beautiful person that always puts your heart and soul into parenting, and providing for your children. You love deeply, you give greatly, and try your best to live life to the fullest.
Life is HARD sometimes but you got this!
<3 Me
Journal
Free write - Every day set aside a few minutes and just write about your life. Write about the good, the bad, the mundane ... just write. Do not worry about direction or spelling. Set a time to hold yourself accountable for a certain amount of time. You can do how ever much time you choose. Two minutes is a great place to start!
Thankfulness Journal -Write down 5 things you are thankful for at the end or the beginning of the day. Challenge yourself to find five things even on had days.
Goals Journal - Section your your journal off . A few pages can be used for yearly goals, 12 pages for goal of the month, and the rest of the journal can be used for daily goals. Look at your writing at the end of each week, month and year. What has helped you accomplish your goals? (circle in yellow) What has held you back? ( circle in blue) What patterns do you see? (circle in red)
Self-Care Journal- Journal about your self-care for self-care. Write down at least one thing you do every day just for yourself.
Self-Care Resources
The Calm app has some free services and some you have to pay for.
Guided Meditation
Many free guided meditations and resources.
"Tara Brach’s teachings blend Western psychology and Eastern spiritual practices, mindful attention to our inner life, and a full, compassionate engagement with our world. The result is a distinctive voice in Western Buddhism, one that offers a wise and caring approach to freeing ourselves and society from suffering. "
Just Dance
Dance to what ever you want! Just move your body like no one is watching! Or take the approach in the video below.
Take a Deep Breath!
We have all heard it... and said it at some point. Self-Care can be as simple as one deep breath.
