“When you take excellent care of yourself, everybody benefits.” I’m not sure who owns that quote, but I certainly have adopted that self-care philosophy into my life.
We’ve all read the scientific articles about the harm stress can cause on our bodies, so everyone really needs to take this self-care thing a little more seriously.
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If you’re feeling stressed, run-down and overwhelmed, it’s probably time for you to put “me-time” back on the front burner. Here are some self-care examples that I enJOY. It is my hope that these examples spark ideas for the type of self-care YOU need.
My husband and I are empty-nesters, so for us life has become a little more slower paced than in the past and, therefore, more conducive for self-care. However, I remember being a frenzied young mom in desperate need of a little me-time.
If time and money are a barrier between you and a little self-care me-time, please read these self-care activities that don’t cost a cent and only take 10 minutes.
Practicing the Self-Care that I Preach
I take my self-care seriously. Case in point, today was an all-about-me day, which I prefer to call an all-about-Ellen day. It wasn’t planned, but when I woke up to the perfect text message I decided today was going to work out to be an all-about-Ellen day.
The text message was a new massage therapist letting me know her schedule had changed and I could come over anytime for a massage. That text message set the stage. I took it as a clear message from the universe that it should be an all-about-Ellen day. As the day progressed, everything fell into place perfectly.
Self-care examples from my all-about-me day of self-care:
Each of my days off start with lounging on the couch with a cup of coffee, watching the Today Show, and likely browsing Facebook. After a work week, I appreciate this type of slow start of my day.
My husband had plans, so I decided to have breakfast/lunch at my favorite restaurant (CT’s Deli) owned by my friends, Rhonda and Tom. They’re usually so crowded that I don’t get much of a chance to chat with them, so arriving just after they opened at 10am gave us a little fun time to chat and goof around.
Since it was an all-about-Ellen day, I decided to enjoy a glass of wine with my salmon club sandwich. (Hey-there’s no law against a morning glass of wine!) Good food and good company – it doesn’t get any better than that and it was not even 11am.
From there I headed to my 11 AM haircut which I always find relaxing. I chatted with Karen and added momentum to my day of pampering and fun.
Next up, my massage… 1 1/2 hours of pure joy. I was in such a relaxed state of mind that I couldn’t tell the difference between my nose and my toes.
Bonus: this was the first time with a new masseuse since my 14-year standing massage therapist recently moved. We had a nice chat after my massage, and what better thing for my all-about-Ellen day than to meet someone new and have a great chat.
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Next up, I took a walk with my dogs. It is an incredibly gorgeous day that I appreciate even more so now that fall weather is nearing. There’s not a cloud in the sky and the temperature is about 70°. Walking and my dogs are two things that always bring me great joy.
Whether you’re in a city or rural area, there is always a lot to appreciate on outdoor walks. We live in the northwoods where we walk on roads surrounded by forest land and lakes. Mother Nature provides the most awesome views. We saw a couple deer including a fawn – love their spots.
Finally, it was a tough call to choose between a nap or working on my blog, but here I am working on my blog.
That’s proof of how much I enjoy working on If It BringsYou Joy because I think a good nap is priceless.
After I hit the publish button, it’s onward to the local pub for a fish fry ← we live in Wisconsin, that’s what we do on Friday nights.
I had a fabulous day and feel refreshed. I think focusing on all things that I enjoy helped me be more mindful of my appreciation of all people and things in my life.
Self-care is not selfish, it is necessary. You deserve an all-about-me day.
Read my post Self-Care: How to Fill Your Own Cup First to learn more about how self-care helps you replenish your personal supply of energy. It also points out daily opportunities to fit self-care into a busy schedule.
So there are some self-care examples from my all-about-me day.
What would you like to do on your all-about-me day? I would love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment below with your examples of self-care that you enJOY.
Budget-Friendly Self-Care Items for Pampering Yourself in Your Own Home
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For more recommendations, take a look at Budget-Friendly Self-Care Ideas.
Simply perfect day Ellen! My kind of day. As they say, “it’s five o’clock somewhere”.
Thanks, Joy! I’m glad we have “all-about-us” days together every now and then.
I really like your writing style, Ellen: simple, honest, and easy on the senses. Your essence shines in every word! As for me, my perfect day would include working on two or three paintings simultaneously with no interruptions. Perhaps a cocktail thrown in for good measure. 🙂
Thank you, Winda! I appreciate your kind words. We need to carry through with our day of painting (and wining) together.
ooooooh…great idea!
Sometimes we all need a day just for ourselves… and we should enjoy it without guilt!
AMEN! Guilt-free “me’ day is good for whatever ails you.
I really need a day for myself! Pinning for inspiration.
Yes! Take that day and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!