Like Jessica, sometimes we all need a self-care reminder.
I had taken a half day at work to run errands and have my annual vision check. I arrived at the check-in desk with my optometrist, and the receptionist told me I was past their 10-minute late policy and they could not see me today. I stood there and begged if they could see me just this one time, but that was a negative. I could feel a knot in my throat forming instantly. “Please hold it in,” I told myself. She asked if I wanted to reschedule it now, and I nodded. She looked at her monitor, and a second later, tears came down my face. I stood there silently crying; she realized it and kindly continued looking for a new date. I knew that despite my best efforts to make them stop, it wasn’t going to happen. As best as I could, I told the receptionist I’d call to reschedule and walked away to let it all out once I got in the car. I ugly cried. I told myself horrible nonsense lies; you can’t even make it on time to an appointment; you’re a fraud. I knew neither was true, but I was running on empty, and there was no grace left in me. It wasn’t their fault for having a policy to keep appointments running smoothly; after I finished my petty sesh I was even thankful to the receptionist, who was still kind and respectful during the exchange.
Maybe she had a feeling that I wasn’t crying about being late. Still, she couldn’t have known that, as a mom who works full time, having to reschedule an appointment that you have planned for months is such a pain. She didn’t know I had managed to get the kids to their school and got ready on time and that I had to help at home with some paperwork, but maybe I made the mistake of taking my time to get out of the house. But that wasn’t even the reason for my breakdown. I had a series of busy days and busy weeks where I had been on the go doing everything except the most important thing that helps me to keep going. I had not made time to practice self-care and step away from the day-to-day to do something fun and relaxing, something that fills my cup and reenergizes me to be able to do all the things I enjoy doing with and for my family. A failed appointment was the last drop that made me drown feeling overwhelmed and underappreciated, and that is self-appreciation, which is vital for me to keep going.
Hopefully, you haven’t been there, but whether that’s true or not, we all need to prioritize ourselves so that we are taking care of ourselves first. I don’t know about you, but life has been a lot lately, from small colds to severe illness, and the environment in the country and the world is a lot. As difficult as it is under these circumstances, let’s remember to do things that bring us joy and refuel us with energy to be our best selves.
I wish all of us could find and make the time to enjoy ourselves with our favorite relaxing activities. Here are a few suggestions to get the ideas flowing. As an extra challenge, grab your calendar and plan to make them happen.
Low to No Cost Self-Care Ideas
- Play your favorite album, sing and dance, and give it your best performance. Let yourself be free of judgement and connect with your body; maybe the family will join too.
- Find your favorite book and re-read it! You might find something new or have a different perspective going through it again.
- Get out your crafty materials and look up a video to make something new. It doesn’t have to be beautiful; it’s about enjoying the process and the time spent disconnecting from everything else.
- Get a new plant or rearrange your plant babies and give them extra TLC, my favorite lately.
- Go for a nature walk; observe your surroundings, the smells, the breeze, or stillness. Hopefully, your weather will be cooler by now and it’s more enjoyable.
- What about a home workout? Remember the wise words of Elle Woods: “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” Full transparency, exercise became my least favorite, but here is to hoping.
Moderate to High-Cost Ideas
- Schedule the body massage you have been wanting to get or try one for the first time.
- How do we feel about shopping? Pick your favorite store, grab a drink, and stroll down the aisles.
- Trying a new restaurant in town or new to you. Make a reservation if needed and look up the menu to start thinking of the yummy meal you’ll have.
- Look up concerts for your favorite musician(s) and plan to attend.
- Is there a sporting event that you’d enjoy with your loved ones? It is time; make it happen.
We got this mamás!
By the way, I put myself together after the good cry I needed to let stress out, called around to other optometrists, and managed to have my vision checked that day. Because that’s what we do.
[…] you haven’t, let’s not get to a breaking point that forces us to do so. Allow me to give you a suggestion on one that you can make last all […]