How well are you taking care of yourself? On a scale of 0-10, where do you rate yourself? If your score indicates room for growing your self care plan, are you interested in stepping up to the plate? If so, I’ve got a Challenge for you!
I recently came across a long list of self care ideas at a free workshop, “Caring for the Caregiver” provided by The Regional Child Protection Center at Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines. The purpose of this workshop was to impact the systemic coordination of services for children and families through increased professional knowledge and skills. Although the self care ideas were intended for professionals who work with children and families, I think the ideas are great for ALL of us! The presenter of the workshop, Kim Richards, RN from Denver, has given me permission to share her list here.
Here’s the Challenge:
Spend a few minutes with these forty-nine self care ideas and PICK TWO that you are willing to commit to BEFORE you continue with the rest of your day. That’s it! If you want to pick more than two, go for it!
FORTY-NINE SELF CARE IDEAS TO CHOOSE FROM:
Ask for help BEFORE you feel overwhelmed
Drink lots of water and take vitamins
Stop watching mindless TV
Write down goals and post in conspicuous place
Create a support team
Go to bed an hour early
Practice stress reduction breathing techniques
Start a “jar of gratitude”
Replace old, non-functional items with new
Give yourself a makeover
Journal daily about how you feel, triggers
Sign up to receive and start day with positive affirmation. Share favorites
Listen to favorite music routinely
Exercise at least 4 times per week
Take a break before walking into your home
Spend time with pets
Collect items/pictures that reignite/reflect your spirit
Invest in learning something new, hobbies
Plan a trip alone or with loved ones
Create a wall/collage of momentos that trigger appreciation, gratitude and joy
Plan ahead for quick, healthy meals
Take a healthy cooking class
Join a group fitness class
Take a walk
Physically touch 5 people a day
Meditate, be alone, be still for 10 minutes a day
Eliminate any appointments that are not necessary
Avoid “negative” friends and family
Create a success team to reach your goals
Schedule all preventative health appointments
Declutter closets and bedrooms
Kind self talk, mirror work
Say “No” without feeling guilty
Have a “safe” friend/colleague to talk with or vent to
Forgive yourself/others. Release emotional baggage
Get a pedometer (and use it)
Take a break from news media
Recyle. Use reusable water bottles
Pay bills electronically
Volunteer
Make a contribution to a worthy cause
Mentor someone
Pet your dog/cat
Eliminate soda drinks
Replace poor quality fats with Omega 3’s
Increase consumption of antioxidants
Increase fish oil consumption
Educate yourself on probiotics, supplements
Eliminate GRO, boxed, processed products
Finally, after choosing two (or more) items from this list, commit to the day/time you are going to start. Then tell at least one other person about your plan.
Congratulations on raising your self care score!
Fantastic list! So helpful.
So glad you liked the list, Kathy, and that you passed it on to others!
Agreed, great list. I am already practicing some of the things on this list, but others popped out to me as things I keep saying I’m going to do or want to do but don’t. Need to commit to it I guess.
Thanks for the list!
Glad you liked the list, Neil, and hope you keep practicing! Every day is a new opportunity to practice:) See you in Chicago???!!!