Spidey’s Serene Sunday #413 – Self Care

05 Feb 2023 29 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays Tags: , , , , ,

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few mintues, including you.”

Anne Lamott

Thanks, Spidey. I think we all need that timely reminder. I’m sure we have used this quote before, but it is such a good one!

There have been days, recently, when I have felt as if I am scraping the barrel to get the enthusiasm and energy required for daily life with a bunch of 4-5-year-olds, and then to deal with home life too. Oh, and as Perimenopause to the mix, along with not being able to get my HRT!

It’s not been easy, I have to say. Without going into details I have to say that sometimes, it feels like going in to work has been the calmest place, and if you have ever worked in the Early Years, you’ll realise the enormity of that confession.

Still, here I am. I’m still functioning. Still doing what I need to do.

I get asked by those of my friends and family who know the ins and outs, how I am coping.

It’s simple. To me, anyway.

There are times when I have to put myself first.

Not selfishly.

But I need to make decisions that will help me get through.

The first is to lessen the unnecessary pressures I put on myself.

I want to write. Sure I do. But with my brain not having the bandwidth to create, right now, I don’t force myself.

If I haven’t cleaned the house from top to bottom, I don’t beat myself up.

If I have had to order a takeaway or stick a ready meal in the oven, so be it.

And the second is to make time, even if it is only a short while, to do the things I love.

So I’ll read (lots, as you know). It may only be for a few minutes a night in the week since I am physically and mentally exhausted from work, but I’ll make up for it on the weekend.

I’m exercising, for me.

I have my weekly soak in the bathtub.

I try to meet with friends, away from the family, once in a while.

I’ll spoil myself with a little gift.

Because I need to feel that I am worth it, too. Only then can I get through everything else.

So, Peeps, what is your favourite form of Self Care?

29 Comments (+add yours?)

  1. Jennie
    Feb 11, 2023 @ 01:37:02

    Beautifully said, Ritu. Sometimes the children at school are the ones who give me the smiles and the ‘reason to be.’ I am with you on how hard it is, and how self care can make a huge difference, even in bits and pieces.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more
    Feb 07, 2023 @ 15:57:41

    Great idea, Sis! Sorry, i am late again. One cannot care for others, when there is not selfcare before. Best wishes, Michael

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  3. Carol anne
    Feb 06, 2023 @ 00:43:10

    My favourite form of self care is, reading! A mug of hot chocolate, and a good book, now that is bliss!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. TanGental
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 19:15:34

    Chocolate, digging a hole, having a coffee with Mrs LP that inevitably involves laughter. After that I’m good to go again. Hope you get that HRT. You girls never stop fighting your bodies; if I didn’t know better I’d say you were designed by men…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  5. syl65
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 18:26:39

    We can’t run at maximum speed all the time, we will burn out eventually. Sometimes we have to pause/unplugged/unwind to keep our sanity and recharge our battery.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. willowdot21
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 15:59:51

    You are so right Sis 💜💜

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. Keith
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 14:04:23

    Good post of instructive advice. Anne got it right in her quote. Enjoy your ways of unplugging. That bathtub soak sounds appealing for these old bones. I used to have a hot tub before it became too much to fix and remove/ replace. I do miss it. Keith

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. robbiesinspiration
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 08:36:40

    Hi Ritu, I also have to step back from time to time now and I sometimes sleep on weekend afternoons. This is since I had Covid last March and all the medical dramas in my family have tired me out. I have to accept that I can’t do as much as I used to do. Why can’t you get your HRT?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. beth
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 08:33:04

    you are doing it right –

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Destiny
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 05:40:41

    Currently going to borrow some from yours😋they sound so appealing. 😊🤍

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. Sadje
    Feb 05, 2023 @ 05:20:14

    This is the right attitude

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

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