One of the most important things that I have learnt over the last few years is the importance of self-care. Living with physical and mental illness can be a strain, particularly when I'm also living independently, so I have had to make a conscious effort to allocate time in my schedule for me. Whilst self-care should be something that we do naturally, it's not always that easy due to a multitude of constraints. However, I am here to remind you to factor in a little time in your day / week / month to just taking a step back, even if it's just for five or ten minutes. I'm taking the rest of the evening off to eat a nice meal and watch some television and I can't wait.
Self-care, funnily enough, is a highly personal thing and it really comes down to the things that you enjoy doing. If you want to create your own list, think about all the things that you would like to do to unwind, and then work on fitting them in somewhere. For me, it can sometimes be about doing specific things and sometimes it can be about avoiding certain situations or groups of people. Here are a few of the things that I like to do when practicing self-care!
1| listen to a playlist of my favourite songs
2| take a day off from going outdoors & nest & organise my things
3| take a long scolding hot bath
4| go second hand or charity shopping
5| write twitterfiction
6| marathon a show on netflix
7| take selfies or photographs {trust me, they're a great self-care tool!}
8| plan projects that i want to find time for in the near future
9| have an indoor picnic of sorts, aka cuddle up in my armchair and eat snacks
10| write letters to loved ones
11| read quietly
12| make myself a tall drink and some food that i fancy
13| take a little nap
14| write some lists
15| move around: stretch or meditate or go for a little walk into town
16| put really comfy clothes on
17| sit by my window and let the sunshine hit my skin
18| take time to appreciate the positive things i have been doing lately
19| read through @here2pep's timeline
20| mute or unfollow social media accounts that make me feel bad or anxious and completely avoid clickbait articles and my facebook feed
How do you feel about self care? Do you dedicate enough time to yourself? If you would like someone to talk to, don't be afraid to email me. I have lots of email pals that I chat to and it's so nice to be part of such a supportive community. If you feel like you need to reach out to a professional, please don't feel anxious to do so. I'm off to eat snacks and watch re-runs of shows that I've seen a billion times!
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If you'd like to scroll through all of my advice posts then you can do so.
pretty homeware sent to me for consideration. everything else in this post is my own.
I love this list - its good to be reminded that its ok to take some time out. Some times I feel guilty about popping my pjs on and doing nothing apart from browsing blogs..... but I find its important to clear my head by doing something & nothing all at the same time! Walking with the pups & taking photos is also high up on my 'me time' list :) I also need to take a leaf out of your book and unfollow some feeds that make me feel anxious - the fear if missing out is an issue for me sometime :(
ReplyDeleteLx
www.daydreamingfoodie.com
Thank you for writing this post. This has to be one of the most relatable and well written posts I have found in the Blogger World. Thank you for pointing out some things that may help me when I am feeling a bit more down. I will sure re-read your post a lot of times. I hope you are doing well.
ReplyDeleteMuch love xx
Catarina // ohkori.blogspot.com
these are so nice! saved for future reference, haha x
ReplyDeleteClaire
www.augustlikethemonth.blogspot.com
Hope your evening gives you that time you need-I didn't really make formal resolutions, but realised as New Year came in I needed to take better care of myself- to start enjoying food again, doing simple things like regularly having my brows threaded or my hair cut and generally being a bit more aware of how I treat myself, which I guess is similar to your concept of Self Care. I think the number one on my list of things to do for Self Care would probably be to turn off my phones for an evening followed swiftly by wearing my favourite cosy jumper and pj bottoms all evening. It's the little things right?
ReplyDeleteI love this list, I know that I am definitely going to be doing some of these things!
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.randomindistilling.blogspot.com
Sometimes, you just need little sweet nothings and your world instantly gets better. It is so important to take care of oneself, mentally as well as physically. Thank you for sharing this great list. There are some things in there that I like to know whenever I feel low or feel like I will have an anxiety attack :). Take care.
ReplyDelete<3 this post is beautiful. I'm all for self-care and it's one of my favourite things to read about. My mum always taught me to be kind to myself and I think it's a wonderful sentiment to spread to others x
ReplyDeleteMegan / pixiecrop.com
This is a wonderful post worth remembering, Bee. We're not even out of January yet and I've already found myself feeling more and more stressed - not being able to clear my head of work stresses after 5pm, waking up in the middle of the night worrying about deadlines, etc., and I've been trying to keep calm with more self-care. For me it's about switching off and taking things at a slower pace - even if that's just a long walk with no internet access or reading a book with a cup of tea on a sunny weekend afternoon.
ReplyDeletex
I love this. I've always been a big fan of spending time by myself, but only recently realised how important doing this little things on your own can be. Look after yourself, my little petal xxx
ReplyDeleteobviously, meant *these little things
DeleteLove this list. I'm trying to make more of an effort this year to take a bit of time for myself. x
ReplyDeletelove this. Positivity shines and making yourself feel amazing is the only way! xx
ReplyDeleteI don't take enough time for self care but it's definitely on the agenda for 2015 for me. Some of my favourite things to do are get organised, I love to do lists, and tidying to keep my mind calm. I also love naps, painting my nails, reading, and going shopping by myself.
ReplyDeleteEmma x
Writing Essays With Wine
I love this. I have such a struggle with self care- With arthritis and depression I should be better! I have recently taken to muting and hiding the accounts that stress me out, this definitely helps. Taking time to read blogs I love helps too :) But I definitely need to care for myself more. Lovely post x
ReplyDeleteLovely post Bee, it's so important to take time out and just be, sometimes. That tray is absolutely gorgeous, too - browsing homewares is definitely on my selfcare list!
ReplyDeleteJess xo
http://just-jesss.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much for this post! I am currently at home for a week away from university practising some 'self-care', sometimes things can all just be too much and like you said, we forget to step back from it all sometimes. I'm definitely going to make my own self-care list for when needs must :)
ReplyDeleteTabby x
www.ofthesaints.uk
I definitely agree with the importance of self-care. It wasn't until I saw it all over my Twitter last week that I realised how little of my time I give to it and then I wonder why my anxiety is so bad :(! It's good that you've spoken openly about it and given tips!
ReplyDeletehttp://emmahopenewitt.blogspot.co.uk/
Em xx
This post was really great to read,I want to do everything on that list now!
ReplyDeletehttp://wiltedxfaded.blogspot.co.uk/
Such a hugely important thing but much too often neglected or riddled with guilt.
ReplyDeleteI love your list and wish you heaps of enjoyment as you make time for yourself : )
I'm off to think of a few of my favourite 'me time' moments!
Gemma
Faded Windmills
I constantly give myself 'self-care' days, I actually feel overwhelmingly stressed and panicky otherwise. I'm glad others take time to do it too, I was doubting myself as a weak person.
ReplyDeleteBecca www.becloumar.blogspot.com
I love this post. I'm kind of guilty of pushing aside my 'self care' days for the sake of other people, but I really need to put more effort into making time for myself. I've been SO anxious and teary lately, and I do think it's because I haven't taken the time to slow down and just chill out.
ReplyDeleteI love number 20 especially - I think it's so important to detox social media sometimes! x
Lauren x
http://whatlaurendidtoday.blogspot.co.uk/
you're a cutie.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post to read, made me smile. Plus, it was made even better by those yummy pictures!
ReplyDeleteAnnabel ♥
Mascara & Maltesers
Such a great post! 'me' time is the best :D
ReplyDeletehttp://peanutbutterandmussels.com/
These are such great tips. I love making lists, I'm currently working my way through a to-do list at the moment.
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xx
This is such a great post, I really don't do enough of this and often feel burnt out and run down. Today I'm having a total duvet day and doing everything I love. Thanks for the advice :)
ReplyDeleteLyndsay xx
One of Tori's top tips for self-care.....to read Bee's posts :D You're such a special lady, my friend - it's an honour to not only have this space to visit, but to call you my friend.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful list, compiling some of my all-time favourite things to do when I'm feeling low - sometimes all I need is some 'put a smile on my face' music, scrummy snacks (it may only be 9am, but I'm craving fudge and choc like crazy, Madam!), and netflix! It's the little things that can often make all the difference!
Such a beautiful post to read, made me smile. I find myself often in situations where I get to panicky and I feel like that I just want to stop the world and escape for a while. Your ideas of self care could really help me - so thank you!
ReplyDeleteElla xx
kaleidoscope-of-heartbeats.blogspot.com
I found your blog a while ago, and used to read it from time to time until somehow I lost it from my favourite pages. I found it again, and I'm really glad I did, it so positive and cute, and the topics are interesting to me. I'm thinking about starting a blog about books and so, but not so sure since I have problems with being consistent. Anyway, I'll keep reading your blog, it inspires me!
ReplyDeleteBTW I like this post a lot, it's very positive and inspiring :)
Love this, so important to take time out that's dedicated to feeling good and just being kind to yourself. We judge and compare ourselves too much, and it's not healthy.
ReplyDeleteI like to do 11 and 12 at the same time, followed by a little 13 :) I find exercising really therapeutic too.
P.S Your pictures have made me starving. Off to find Galaxy.
Amy xxx
Bambi Jane
'my life in lists' is such a perfect idea!
ReplyDeleteI'm an avid list maker and I think that it is so cool that you share yours on your blog!
I agree that making lists is one of the best methods of self-care! And that also one always needs to take a self time out occasionally.
inordertoremember.blogspot.fr
Great tips. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteNice thoughtful post.
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