Autumn is just around the corner. Vacations are winding down and kids are getting ready to go back to school. Classes are even starting up again at IDLM! It’s a good time for a lot of people to take on new projects and new responsibilities, before the holidays come around again and everybody gets really busy.
Maybe fall will see you shifting into a higher gear, or maybe your plan is just business as usual, even as the seasons change. Whatever the case, it feels like a good time to remind everyone in the community of the importance of self care.
Self care is something we talk about constantly. For people who work in death care or in health care, or even who are just busy trying to balance work, family, and all the other commitments of life, you’ve already heard a million times that it is important to take time for yourself so you can recharge and come back at your best. The trouble, as many of us know, is that that can be easier said than done. Many full-time caretakers find it challenging to get any time away from their responsibilities, and when you have to fight for time just to take a shower or get groceries, the idea of going out for a massage or a manicure seems totally unrealistic.
I think most of us have been through phases of our life where work and other commitments have run our lives from the moment we get up until we finally manage to get to bed at night. It’s part of life, and sometimes it can feel good to feel so needed or so productive. You have important things to do! A massage can wait. But even if you are the type of person who likes having a packed schedule, self care is still vital and there are lots of little ways to sneak it in.
I like to think of this strategy as “self-care microdosing.” Taking five minutes (or just three minutes!) in the morning to meditate and do a self check-in to get yourself centered for the day is something you can do with your coffee, or even sitting in your car. Maybe find an app that will guide you through a quick mini-meditation, or give you an inspirational quote for your day. If you’re the type of person who carries a water bottle, consider adding mint, lemon, or strawberries to the water to fancy it up a little, because you’re worth it. Put cute stickers on things. Buy nicer socks. For some of us, the only time we really have for ourselves is right before bedtime, so make sure youdo something just for yourself—it could be as simple as playing a song you like, having a little treat before bed, or putting on your coziest pajamas. It could be all three! Right before bed is also a great time for a mini-meditation.
Sometimes carving out a big chunk of time just for yourself is unrealistic, but self care is just as important during these times, maybe even more than when you’re not so busy. When you’re showing up for other people it is important to show up for yourself too, and do little things to remind you how important and special and loved you are. We hope this week’s blog will give you inspiration for ways to do little acts of self care—and we’d love to hear more ideas from you over at the Movement!
