Summer is winding down and most of us are transitioning from busy summer to busier school year, so I wanted to share five things you can do for yourself today that will foster a happier, healthier, more peaceful you (and me). Self-care is so important and we need to take care of ourselves first so we can care for others. That’s often a far away concept for many of us. Caring for me first feels so…selfish. But it’s not. It’s healthy and it’s okay, even though it feels backwards and indulgent. Here are five things you can do for yourself to encourage peace and well-being in your life.
Take Time Off
I’m not talking a full-on, get-on-a-plane-and-go vacation, although who wouldn’t love that? But take some time off, even if it’s thirty minutes a day, and just be you. Do something you want to do. Read a book. Catch up on a TV show. Take a nap. Call a girlfriend. Read a magazine. Take a bubble bath. But set aside those precious minutes to clear your head and relax. Lock yourself in the bathroom if you have to. I’m telling you, it refreshes you and gives you that pause you need to emerge and be recharged for what’s next.
Forgive
Find a way to forgive someone who’s caused you hurt, big or small. Dig deep and try to make a way in your heart to let go of that hurt and any bitterness or grudge that may live there. Forgiveness really isn’t for the other person. Forgiveness is for you. It’s a way to release any ill feelings and free yourself. It doesn’t mean you’ve forgotten what they’ve done. It doesn’t mean you have to immediately run to that person and embrace them. Maybe that will happen someday but the process will be slow. Forgiveness doesn’t mean they “got away” with something. It puts you in a better place, perhaps a place where you can have a conversation with that person and gently resolve what happened. Don’t forget to forgive yourself. Don’t hold bitterness or grudges against yourself. So you’re not a perfect parent or spouse or person. You messed up. You raised your voice or were late for school again. You’re human and don’t forget it. Forgive yourself and move on.
Set Boundaries
I wrote about boundaries very recently and I can’t say enough about how healthy and necessary these boundaries are. When there are great demands on our time and our hearts, it’s more important than ever to have solid boundaries firmly set. Be able to discern when you should say “no” to someone or something. If a person is bringing drama and toxicity into your life on a regular basis, evaluate that relationship’s place in your life. Choose what’s healthy for you and your family. Protect your home team.
Treat Yourself
Whatever your budget allows will be perfect. Maybe it’s a bright lipstick that will give you a much-needed pick-me-up. Perhaps it’s simply that decadent cappuccino that’s a rare treat. Maybe it’s more lavish like a new outfit, a massage or a pedicure. Small or big, inexpensive or luxurious, do something especially for you, to make yourself feel special and pampered.
Organize
As a writer, I’m creative, and I think creative people tend to dwell in organized chaos. I’m often a bit disorganized when it comes to paperwork. I can have a tidy, meticulous house, clean kids, a home-cooked meal, and perfectly done hair and makeup…and a super messy desk full of writing notebooks, mail, and school papers. Whatever may be out of sorts in your life, make strides to organize it. Maybe it’s your clothes closet, your pantry, kitchen cupboards or your desk, like me. Your life will be so much easier if you can find what you need when you need it. My desk is looking much better these days and I feel a little twinge of pride when I can readily locate something within seconds of needing it.
Take care of you so you can take care of all the lovely people who depend on you.
Be encouraged!
