In my last blog I talked about the importance for adults to focus on their own self-care. I shared about how part of self-care as an adult is learning to name your feelings. To get started on knowing how to identify your feelings, you must first prioritize yourself by creating that self-care plan.
Creating a self-care plan doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you’re just getting started. Let me stop there and say, I get it. I’ve heard about the importance of practicing self-care for years, the saying goes “you can’t pour from an empty cup…”
Which is true, but at the time my cup was often pouring dirt, because I’d teach all day, pick my kids up from school, help with homework or other activities, prepare for dinner, bedtime routines, pack lunches, prepare for teaching the next day, and spend time with my husband. There was never enough time in my day to actually practice self-care.
That is until I decided to make it a priority. I could see that I was not giving my best self to the ones in my life that I cared for the most, because I had neglected myself. I started with a quick 10-15 minute a day plan, after that became established I added in a 60 minute a week plan, and finally ended up adding in a once a month activity.
Logically I knew I could set aside 10-15 minutes a day because I spent that much time scrolling Instagram. And then the 60 minutes a week didn’t seem very difficult because that essentially was just another 10-15 min a day a few times a week or 30 minutes twice a week.
Gratitude Journal- reflect on what you’re thankful for
Head Down- put your head down and just close your eyes, maybe add in quiet music, set a 10 minute timer.
Doodle- grab some colorful pens and just doodle
Emotion Check In- journal out how you’re feeling in that moment, on that specific day.
*note this can be broken up into 6- 10 minute time slots, 5- 15 minute time slots, 2-30 minute time slots
Get into Nature
Meditation
Yoga
Workout
Go for a Walk or Jog
Crochet, Quilt, Sew, Knit
Doodle
Hand letter
Journal
*note use this suggestion to try something new for you
Go get your nails done
Spend time with a friend
Coffee date by yourself
Read a book
Visit a new place
As you begin your plan remember it’s ok to start slow and only add in a 10-15 minute daily practice before adding in the other suggested times. Consistency is key, so make self-care a non-negotiable part of your schedule.