What Is Self Care To You?

Greeneyedlady21 · ‎01-06-2015

It has become a popular buzz phrase, but it's so much more than that. Self care is very important. I have been learning that in a very long difficult process.

For now things I like to do for self care include-reducing stress as much as possible (that includes from toxic people), walking (today I did 12 miles total split into two sessions), reading when I can relax enough to do it . I was reading every night a couple of months ago and I want to do it again. I also like to look my best just for me. I've always had that attitude. I mean putting outfits together and fixing everything else as best as I can. Making an effort that shows I matter to myself. In that and anything. Going to movies is self care for me too, it always has been.

Going forward my goals for self care include reducing electronics screen time, going to meditation workshops, attending some more grief support meetings, and finding some volunteer work. I signed up to volunteer for an event in March, but I'd also like to find one on a regular basis.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Misplaced Parisian · ‎07-21-2015

@Greeneyedlady21 I teach meditation so when I read your "going to meditation workshops" I squealed out loud.

To me self-care is taking the time I need for me (solitude, meditation, yoga, etc.), doing the things I need for me. I cannot help others unless I take care of myself first.

Bri369 · ‎11-03-2018

I'm big on self-care.

I do a lot of things for myself and my mental well-being. I exercise 6 days a week. Nothing interrupts that. I get my nails done ever two weeks.

I have my nightly ritual of showering, and putting on my favorite jammies and body lotion.

The biggest thing that I do for myself is set boundaries. I'm not getting caught up in saying yes to something or getting involved in something that brings me stress. Some might call it selfish - I call it self-care.

Greeneyedlady21 · ‎01-06-2015

@Misplaced Parisian I was supposed to go to one yesterday, but my mind was so preoccupied with something else that I thought it was better to sign up for the next one. It's also about mindfulness, which I have a vague knowledge about. That it's focusing on the present and not worrying about anything other than that? I suffer from anxiety so I am willing to try these things. It's free too, at the public library.

Many years ago I had a yoga tape, yes so long ago that it was a VHS. It was basic and I enjoyed it. Can't see myself going to classes.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Greeneyedlady21 · ‎01-06-2015

@Bri369 I agree with you about boundaries. That is a major work in progress for me. It's essential to well being.

"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Misplaced Parisian · ‎07-21-2015

@Greeneyedlady21 wrote:
@Misplaced Parisian I was supposed to go to one yesterday, but my mind was so preoccupied with something else that I thought it was better to sign up for the next one. It's also about mindfulness, which I have a vague knowledge about. That it's focusing on the present and not worrying about anything other than that? I suffer from anxiety so I am willing to try these things. It's free too, at the public library.

Many years ago I had a yoga tape, yes so long ago that it was a VHS. It was basic and I enjoyed it. Can't see myself going to classes.

@Greeneyedlady21 You are doing fabulously! Mindfulness and meditation go hand in hand. Staying in the moment, being mindful of that moment, just that moment. Give the cares away and stay in the moment. Something that will assist with your anxiety is to focus on your breath. When you are feeling anxious, take a moment and just pay attention to your breathing...just breath as you normally do and if you can take a couple calm, deep breaths that will help too. The focus on breath will help calm the parasympathetic nervous system which in turn will help with the anxiety. When you start your meditation classes giver yourself permission to just be and whatever your best is, celebrate it. I volunteer with veterans who suffered from PTSD. When we start the classes rarely can they do anything (they sit there and stare at me, smiles). At the end of the classes, usually 8 or 12 weeks, they are meditating and have noticed it helps them a lot. Good Luck! I'm here if you'd like to asks questions.

blackhole99 · ‎08-22-2013

Coming from a medical transcription/ ward secretary back ground where I read and transcribed notes from docs and nurses careplans, self care to me means, if a patient or client was physically able to do whatever it took to get themselves through the day and night without help. I have always taken care of myself, I think that has to do with self esteem.

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

I agree, I also work out 6 days a week and do yoga too, but in my own house. I follow dvd instructions and am happy in my own little world. I try to meditate but have a difficult time concentrating. I do practice however and believe I am getting better at it. Who would have thought it would be hard to relax??? Oh but it is and I too try not to commit myself to stressful things and be around stressful people. I try to find peace in myself and hope it flows to others around me. God Bless.

Bri369 · ‎11-03-2018

I have a hard time meditating. I try to concentrate on breathing and nothing else. My mind starts to wander and I get so frustrated. LOL

I started imaginging every house around my block. I walk out my front door and try to make it around the block just focusing on all the details of every house. It takes me a while to just sit there and force myself to concentrate on as many details as I can think of.

It accomplishes the goal for me to relax and calm myself.

Misplaced Parisian · ‎07-21-2015

@Bri369 wrote:
I have a hard time meditating. I try to concentrate on breathing and nothing else. My mind starts to wander and I get so frustrated. LOL

I started imaginging every house around my block. I walk out my front door and try to make it around the block just focusing on all the details of every house. It takes me a while to just sit there and force myself to concentrate on as many details as I can think of.

It accomplishes the goal for me to relax and calm myself.

@Bri369 You are doing great. A wandering mind plagues us all as we meditate. Just give it permission to do so and try again to focus on the breath or the houses on the street. Smile I believe it whatever works for the individual. And I just might try your houses around your block example with my next class.