Back to Basics

Today, I’m going back to basics – taking care of yourself so that you can be present for others in the best way possible.

Let’s be real here. For people of my generation, many of us were taught that you sacrifice yourself to take care of your family. So that’s what I did. I worked long hours, didn’t buy any new clothes for years, even skipped dentist appointments, and more, because I thought that’s how I took care of my family. And while I wouldn’t trade those years for anything, I know that if I spent a little time each day practicing self-care, I would have shown up for my family in a much more valuable way.

So, in taking care of yourself, you are, essentially, taking care of others.

As my understanding of this grows, I no longer feel guilty or indulgent in my self-care routine. It makes me more calm, more present, and an all around happier person. Now you may wonder what I mean by self-care, and all I can tell you is what it means to me. You do you.

I meditate
Of course. This goes without saying. Even just 10 minutes a day helps me to greet the day.

I take a break from technology
Each day, I unplug for some time – with the exception of my books. I’m an avid reader and if I only read printed books, I wouldn’t read as much. I don’t think. Hmm, maybe I should try it! Anyway, besides reading, I take a break from checking email, scrolling social media, “window” shopping, etc.

I feed my brain
My go-to’s are Connections, Strands (both from the New York Times website), and solitaire. There are no shortage of brain puzzles and mental challenges out there.

I mind what I eat
And I eat mindfully. At least I try to. I’m not perfect, but I’m better than I was. I choose foods that taste good and are good for me and I slow down and enjoy that food. Not only that, but I enjoy a small chocolate treat most days.

I move
It’s good for the body and mind. I take (sometimes twice) daily walks, most days experiencing a breathtaking sunset. I used to log my steps, but now I just walk for an hour or so daily. And because I want to take care of my bones, I do some kind of resistance work two or three times a week.

I keep my appointments
While this has been something I’ve really had to work on, I now keep a regular schedule of visits with doctors, just to be sure everything is working as it should.

I connect with others
Whether that’s a long distance call with a friend, a meal with my husband, visiting family, or volunteering at the aquarium all of it makes me feel good.

I watch my self talk
Yeah, that one’s a work in progress, but I’m more aware of my inside voice as it pontificates about my thoughts and I’m able to reel it in before I go down the rabbit hole. I remind myself to talk as if I were talking to a friend/loved one.

If all this sounds like it takes a lot of time, it doesn’t. It’s just become part of my daily routine. Good self-care can reduce burnout and stress levels and that’s always a good thing. How do you practice self-care?