Self care - What can you do today?

BornReady

I have been working a lot on self-care and thought maybe we could all think about the positive ways we could take care of ourselves in this whole process.

So...

What are 5 things you could do or have done today to care of your mind, body, spirit?

1. I scheduled a "stitch fix" for myself. I've been striking out shopping lately and wanted to try this again. 
2. Not checking my work email.
3. Making myself a nice salad for lunch, I am trying to pick at things less, and eat more thoughtfully as opposed to just feeding everyone else.
4. I'm planning to take a ride to listen to my audio book. We usually do nap time at home and I clean etc. but today is drizzly and dreary and I want to drive around by the beaches, and listen to the rest of my book. So I'm going to!
5. I got a new face mask I want to try tonight. This winter is killing my skin and I need some extra hydration. 

catiecatp

What a great idea for a thread.

1. meditate - I use an app called HeadSpace to help me fall asleep at night - but it would be more beneficial to do it while staying awake. It is subscription based but the first 10 days are free - and I also have a 3 months free coupon if someone would like to try it for longer (I hit a milestone for number of days in a row and they reward me with the coupon to share).
2. a nice bath - if I had a deeper tub this would be more relaxing - but I should do it anyways - with some epsom salt, lavendar and maybe bubble bath
3. knitting something more complex than stockinette - it will occupy my mind more - and I feel more accomplished
4. going for a walk outside - may be too cold to do this one today though - maybe I'll do one indoors at work
5. treat myself to a starbucks - peppermint hot chocolate - love the peppermint mochas but always get decaf, so I've changed what I order, why dilute the chocolate? 

mylittleversailles

@BornReady Ahh! I was trying to think how to start a thread like this and then here it is!

Yesterday was really bad and I'm kind of hungover from that, so I don't know what to do today and I need these reminders pretty badly. Thank you.

silentP

I like this! And some good ideas to add to the rotation. 
1.) I worked out hard this morning and it felt great to sweat.
2.) Bought myself a new hair dryer. Small luxury.
3.) Breaking out a record I haven't listened to in forever. It's still so good!
4.) Sipping on some homemade sweet tea.
5.) Making progress on my book I am reading.

silentP

@BornReady I really liked the one StitchFix box I received and I am going to start it again soon.

@catiecatp I love peppermint chocolate anything. That's a good idea about just going straight for the hot chocolate.

fivetimesnoluck

Great idea for a post and great ideas added to...

1. I enjoyed lunch by myself, catching up on The Bump. Quiet time.
2. Will go to yoga tonight, 2nd class this week.
3. Counseled a friend - it may sound counter intuitive that this is self-care, but it is very rewarding for me to help others with their anxiety. It is a great reminder for many of the tools I use for myself!
4. I have spent the day listening to a band that I will see in concert on Friday night. Throwback to college days.... fond memories and a great soundtrack for my day.
5. Husband and I will watch Modern Family and Blackish tonight. Two of my faves.

I have fallen off the mediating wagon lately and need to get back on it.

@catiecatp I have used and enjoy two different meditation apps: "Calm" and "Stop, Breathe & Think." Both have plenty of free meditations with no expiration. They have paid upgrades, but I have never needed them. Check them out if you want!

BaylieGirl

I signed up for stitch fix too. I figured I'd treat myself to some new spring clothes.

 I also just signed up for blue apron. They send you all the ingredients and recipes meals to cook 3 meals for two each week. I'm enjoying trying out some new recipes in the kitchen, especially now that I don't have to deal with horrible morning sickness Anymore. 

My Monday night date with Bachelor Ben helps keep me distracted too  

beff12

I love this idea too!
1. It may seem weird, but I made myself do housework today. I have had zero motivation recently and seeing the kitchen clean made me so happy!
2. I've been drinking more water/less soda lately. Finding my cute water bottle helped!
3. Had a play date with a friend today. I've been putting myself out there more - being a hermit never helped anyone. 
4. On the same vain, making myself go places with DH when he could easily go on his own. 
5. Nightly Netflix watching and crocheting with DH. (I crochet, he doesn't  )

DinosaurJumper

Yes! Yes! Positivity! 

1. Met with an academic advisor and am preparing myself for going back to school after so many years!
2. I should do some yoga tonight....going to the gym w/DH in about an hour though....
3. Had yesterday off and did absolutely nothing, it was really nice. Hadn't done that in a long time
4. Take to puppies for a good long walk They are so fun to take out
5. And...well DH have the night together after a week of him getting home late due to volunteer work, so I think some purely recreational BDing is in order  

In the meantime, I think I will head out with the pups and explore before DH activities!

Kay6519

1. Got my nails and eyebrows done. 

2. Had a half day at work, and did basically nothing with my time off. 

3. Took the dogs for a walk.

4. Yoga / Meditation

5. Not really for today, but I made reservations for a long weekend at a B&B not too far from home for next month. It will be wonderful to get some time away from home to relax with DH.

mylittleversailles

Some days it's things as simple as:

- Drinking enough water. Being hydrated makes everything else a little easier. Also, getting my whole day's worth of raspberry leaf tea.

- Eating well, or at the very least enough.

- Sharing my feelings/listening to DH's feelings or just being sure to be present with one another.

On better days:

- Entertain friends. Having someone and something else to concentrate on is really helpful.

- Bake. The deliberate nature of baking is a great stress reliever. 

- Creative pursuits. Whatever it is, do it with your whole heart.

- Plan for the future. Something not related to TTC, whether it's next week or for fifty years from now. Dream.

Aera11

Ooo I love this post!  Loving the positive vibes

@catiecatp & @silentP yessss to the peppermint chocolate anything!  Peppermint chocolate bark around the holidays, yum.

1.  Getting up earlier than normal to have quiet time for myself.  Whether I read positive affirmations or sip coffee alone wrapped in a warm blanket, I've found a lot of peace in this.  As soon as my husband and the dog get up, it's go time.  This has helped me find more balance in my days.
2.  Got a manicure and pedicure last week, long over due.
3.  Meal planned for the week.  We sort of let our healthy(ish) homemade cooking slide over the last few weeks since our loss, so we both agreed to get back at cooking during the week.
4.  Splurged on good coffee from a local shop.
5.  New shoes for an upcoming trip.