I always get a strange feeling around this time of year. It could be all the ghoulish Halloween décor or the fact that the days are getting shorter and my to-do list is not!! Maybe a combination of the two has me a little on edge but the trick is to treat yourself with love and set the right intentions for a happy and healthy fall/winter season. The last thing you need is a cough and sore throat when battling bone-chilling winds and holiday crowds so make sure self-care is a part of your daily routine.
Self-Care is more than an occasional massage or pedicure. It's a way of living each day that incorporates behaviors to ultimately improve your overall well-being and keep you feeling refreshed and motivated. There is not a one-size-fits-all self-care plan so tailor your activities to suit your specific needs.
You're not alone; the search term "self-care activities" reached its peak popularity this October according to Google data trends.
Not sure where to start? Here is a Self-Care Assessment tool based on 6 dimensions of wellness to help you take note of patterns and give you an idea of which domain(s) need more attention in your life. After you finish the assessment, this Self-Care Worksheet will guide you into action and help you work through potential barriers before they arise. This is but one tool you can use to work on your self-care plan but the first step is awareness and to recognize which parts of your life need action.
After looking at my regular self-care activities, I have decided to add a few more to my routine:
- Read literature that is unrelated to work. I love reading about health and wellness topics but this can definitely lead to burnout in my case. This fall/winter, I will dedicate more time each week on reading for pleasure.
- Schedule more 'ME time'. At one time I thought I was missing out on something great if I stayed home on a Friday night but like other millennials, I feel like nesting is the new going out. There's nothing like a good girls' night in to recharge your batteries (or guys' night in).
- Make space for more meditation. This is actually something I have intentionally set time aside for this fall and I find myself in anticipation of my next session. My goal is to do one a day. There are so many apps out there if you are looking for some guidance in this area and I have found luck with Insight Timer. I am not promoting Insight Timer over any others but it is one of many free apps available with hundreds of guided meditations to help with relaxation, stress relief, finding balance and inner peace, just to name a few.
"Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare."? Audre Lorde
"Love yourself first, and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world. " – Lucille Ball
Resources:
University of Buffalo- School of Social Work. Developing Your Self-Care Plan.
Self-Care Resources from UT Dallas-Student Counseling Center