Truth be told, I’ve had quite a bit on my plate of late. It’s time for me to refocus … and breathe … literally!
There’s been medical appointments, all the hoo ha that goes with getting new carpet laid, a sister to help move (twice), a son to prepare for an overseas trip and much more!
My mind has felt a bit too cluttered and busy for a bit too long. Too many things rattling around in there. The curse of my age is that some of the things I must do or remember fall out of my mind, so there’s been daily ‘To Do’ lists to tick off as I make my way through each day. A side effect is that many of the good daily habits I had put in place (for my own self care) have slipped. Like what, you ask? Like these:
- My daily walks stopped as directed by the podiatrist – in order for my Plantar Fasciitis to heal. I need to start again (Plantar Fasciitis or not). I bought new runners with excellent cushioning so that’s a good start!
- I’m not being as mindful as I used to be. Too much rushing. Not enough awareness.
- I need to start meditating regularly to get control back from the monkey mind. What’s monkey mind? It’s an overly busy and constantly chattering mind! The thought of meditating freaks so many people out. It really shouldn’t. Just watch this video and you’ll see what I mean. It only goes for 1 minute & 47 seconds.
- I need to get out in nature more often. When I start back with my regular walking this will happen! I am craving nature. I also need a good digital detox. Did you see what I posted just yesterday on Instagram and Facebook? This!
- I need more regular getaways! It does me the world of good to get away for a weekend to somewhere beautiful. Away from the usual jobs and responsibilities. Getting away seems to give me permission to relax. It encourages activities I enjoy – bush walking, photography, reading, enjoying nature!
- I need to plan my next holiday. A good solid bit of time away is much needed. Last holiday was only 8 days – the South Pacific Cruise in December 2016.
These are things I need to do to help me feel happy and balanced. There is one little hurdle to jump over first – though it’s not really a hurdle because it forces me to stop! However, it does mean that some of the things I need to do to get back on track must wait a bit but others I can do regardless (like being more mindful and making meditation a daily practice again)! I will be having some surgery on Thursday. I’ll be in hospital for a few days and recovering for a couple of weeks or so. It forces to me to stop at least and once recovered I’ll be setting things back in place to feel more balanced again (and putting those new runners to good use). In the meantime, it will be a little quiet here on the blog while I recover but I’m sure you’ll see activity from me on Instagram and Facebook so be sure to pop over to either or both of those and say hi!
Have your self-care practices slipped a little too? If yes, what do you need to do to rectify things?
Ciao for now,
Linking up today with Kylie Purtell – Capturing Life for #IBOT
24 Comments
YES!!! My self care has slipped to almost non-existent!! Time to refocus and make myself a priority.
You have been so busy lately Nicole that’s for sure! Get that self-care happening again girl. Take care of yourself! xo
Well, sadly my current time off for recovery is the longest I’ve had off work in maybe a decade? Damn those years of contract work that don’t give you holidays. Quite sad that it takes surgery to get two weeks off work….
It is sad that it takes surgery to give you a break Vanessa! Hope you recover quickly so you can enjoy the break!
Look after yourself before things overwhelm you.
Self care left ages ago and when you are reduced to attempted self preservation every day becomes a 360 degree battle with yourself and the world around you.
Get away from your usual and take that break away to a different place as soon as you can.
Be selfish because no one else will look after you and your wellbeing.
Thanks Patrick. I hear you! I’ll plan a getaway whilst recovering I think – for when I’m well enough. Nothing like getting away to somewhere beautiful to refresh my sense of wellbeing! 🙂
This speaks right to my heart. I’ve recently started spending time each day praying and reading the Bible, which for me does wonders in staying at peace. My husband and I are also going on a Blue Mountains holiday in a few weeks – it’s going to be so lovely to get amongst nature and just rest.
Wonderful to hear you recognise what makes you feel good Bella. That holiday in the Blue Mountains sound fabulous! Have a great time! 🙂
Aaaah yes daily running is my self-care number one and I hate winter because the days are so short that I don’t get to run after hubby gets home from work because it’s too dark. Plus, the weather is often terrible. I still get out 2 – 3 times a week but I really feel the difference. Bring on Spring!
I might have to duck for cover but I actually love winter (though ours here in Brisbane are probably not as cold as yours)! Hope you fit in enough of those runs to make you feel good. Can’t wait to get back into my walking! 🙂
It always creeps up on us before we realise. So glad you have taken steps (sorry, foot reference!) back to well-ness. Denyse x
Sure does Denyse. Hoping you take good care of yourself on the journey you are embarking on! xo
I definitely think the key is planing and ensuring restorative down time so that you don’t end up with bed rest mandated down time. Have to work on that.
You’re spot on there Robyna! I used to be the former but I recognise the signs and tend to take action earlier these days thankfully. xo
I have a monkey mind too! Will have to check out that video stat! Hope surgery and the recovery is quick and painless and that you’re back on your feet and feeling in fine fettle very soon!
My monkey mind was playing up last night *yawn*. Thanks Sammie – 2nd week of recovery post surgery at the time of typing this. Getting there! xo
Oh the monkey mind. I do the lie awake at stupid hours in the middle of the night thinking all the things I can’t control. It’s the only time of the day (night) when I think of the things I should have done – the mindful stuff. Look after yourself & wishing you a speedy recovery.
Ugh – I did that last night Jo. I am a wreck this morning. Recovery is coming along thankfully! xo
With newborn twins and three older kids I don’t think I know what self care is anymore. One day I’ll make it a priority. All the best with your surgery. #teamIBOT
Oh Claire – I know about life with newborn twins! I had twin boys in November 1992. The first year was a blur. Sleep was all I wanted. You will get time for self care back eventually. For now – accept help when it is offered to you and SLEEP whenever you can! xo
It’s so easy to get in a rut—and go, go, go!! This is such a great reminder that slowing down is actually good for us!!
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Slowing down is VERY good for us! Yes! 🙂 xo
Yeah, I am hearing you….self care is pretty much on the bottom of the list as each day there is so much I have to do.
Nikki!! Bump self care back up to a high priority on your list. It’s so important! xo