Taking Care Of Me

Working out has been my self care option of choice for over 30 years. Although I didn’t consciously think of it as self-care when I started doing it (Self-care wasn’t a thing back then.), it did meet the needs that self-care is supposed to satisfy. Working out helped (and still helps) to reduce stress and alleviate feelings of anxiety. And post-workout, I was better able to maintain a sense of peace and calm. I also felt stronger and more energetic over the long term - better equipped to face the challenges of my day.

Working out is still a regular part of my self-care routine, but over the years I’ve added other disciplines as life has become more stressful. My self-care now includes daily prayer, which inspires and centers me and helps me to maintain hope. Journaling is another tool I use to work out painful feelings and to record my gratitude for the many things I have to be thankful for on a daily basis. Occasionally re-reading my expressions of gratitude also helps to increase my joy and re-fuel my hope.

While I could still definitely use more sleep and a bit more time with friends, the routines I’ve developed keep me in pretty good shape physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Working out

Prayer

Journaling

That’s my self-care routine. What’s yours? If you don’t have one YET, what kinds of things bring you a sense of joy and peace? What energizes or inspires you?