May can be a crazy month for families. End-of-year exams, concerts, projects, planting, parties, recitals, graduations, summer planning, spring cleaning, UGH! – I get exhausted just thinking about it! This spring, as you’re trying to take care of all of your family obligations, be sure to take care of yourself, too.
Now, wait…Before you finish your “yeah, right!” eye roll and stop reading, try to remember that self-care doesn’t have to take all day. Here are some self-care ideas that only take two minutes.
Move your body
Stand up. Move your head from side to side. Roll your shoulders. Touch your toes. If you’re feeling really energetic, do 5 jumping jacks. Take a hot second to be amazed by what the body can do – then return to what you were doing.
Phone a friend
Or text. Just take a minute to tell someone that you’re thinking of them. Or maybe send a GIF that will make you both smile. You’ll be amazed at how brightening someone else’s day will brighten yours, too!
Sing and dance
Turn on a song that makes you feel good. Now turn it up. Belt out the chorus like you’re performing at the Grammy’s. Are there other people around that you can’t disturb? Put in your earbuds and have an enthusiastic-yet-silent dance party for one. I can’t tell you how many times I have closed the door to my office to bust a move in the middle of stressful work day.
Practice gratitude
Grab a pen and a scrap of paper. Take a deep breath and sigh it out. Write down 3 things you’re grateful for. Take a moment to feel the joy that each of those things brings you. Then, slip the paper in your pocket and continue on your day.
While it may not always feel like it, self-care is not merely an indulgence – nor is it selfish. It’s one of the best ways to ensure that you can continue to serve the people who rely on you. Take care of yourself!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Schoenfelder joined the Illinois 4-H team in 2017. Prior to this, she began her work in positive youth development with California 4-H and the YMCA. She specializes in STEM engagement, social-emotional development, and educator professional development.
She received a Master of Science degree in recreation, park, and tourism administration from Western Illinois University.
When she is not writing curriculum or facilitating a training, you may find Emily sitting on the floor of her office, building marshmallow catapults out of popsicle sticks or designing mazes for robots for her next STEM program.
ABOUT THE BLOG
Connection Corner is a blog that provides timely information, activities, and resources to help you stay connected to loved ones, the world around you, and yourself.