This is part 5 of an I-don’t-know-how-many part series. So far I have 88 self-care items on a master list, but I’m aiming to break them down so they don’t overwhelm anyone. As with everything, when it comes to self-care, everyone is different. I expect you to go through this list and reject many of the ideas. That in and of itself, may be a form of self-care - speaking up for what *you* believe in!
Some are written for parents who have partners at home, some for single moms or moms whose partners are deployed or work constantly. Some are for people with depression, some aren’t. Some are written for active people, some for social people, and some for home-bodies. Some ideas cost money; most cost very little if any at all, and of course many are free. My goal was to make a list that had something for everyone.
This is NOT a to-do list. These are not goals. One is not better than another. We are wildly unique and that’s part of our beauty. How we care for ourselves will also be unique and special!
*My favorite recommendations are hyperlinked as affiliate links.*
Part 5: 15 Long, Higher-Energy, Self-Care Options
Go for a walk or run - wear earbuds to be even more isolated.
Cook, shop for, or order delivery of a favorite food.
Garden - alone or with your kids, even if you have no space.
Bake something fun, if you like baking.
Sure, get that pedicure or massage. "Traditional" self-care isn't bad by any means, it's just not the only option.
Go to the park, library, museum - somewhere you enjoy and can relax while your kids play and give you space.
Invite someone over - real friends don't mind some mess.
Do your makeup - maybe just mascara or lipstick or maybe full glam - whatever makes you feel best.
Join a group - belonging is important. It can be a book club, a church or our Facebook mom group Empowering Moms to Uplift Kids.
Play cards or a board game.
Swap childcare with another mom.
Go to a seminar on something that interests you.
Choose a work-from-home option that you believe in wholeheartedly.
Write a letter to someone you've been meaning to talk to - even if you never send it.
Make a budget so you feel in control of your finances.
If that you've made it through the whole series and need some help working self-care into your life, please set up a free call. You deserve it! Check out the accompanying video on our new YouTube channel bit.ly/sureparentingyoutube.
The other parts of this series: