Self Care… when you want to do anything but!

Let’s face it. There are plenty of times when self care is the LAST thing you really want to do. I mean I definitely have been having those days when “fill your cup up first” just isn’t happening. Days when I know I need to work on my self care.. and yet I just sit there.

When the to do list seems endless – let’s be real. The To Do Lists (TDLs) are never going to be finished. There is always something that will be on that list.

But that does NOT mean that getting those pesky items off the list won’t be worth it in the end. Sometimes it’s just the thing you need. Crossing items off a list can be very therapeutic for some. I fall into that category for sure. Except over the years I’ve gone more and more electronic… funny how going more electronic based makes you crave silly things like crossing items off a list as part of you self care.

Today’s my “ME MONDAY” day. It’s a day where I work on my blog, take a moment for self reflection… or just chill. I’ve gone slightly more darker lately, so I’m now coming out the other side with my self reflection. I’m recognizing that I just NEED to work on myself. Personally, I feel that I’ve come a long way from this time last year. Maybe not professionally. But definitely mental health, physical health (sort of), emotional health, and financial health. SO in the spirit of sharing – Hello Blog World! – and making lists (ha!) here are some items that helped me through my transition period… as well as continue to remind me to “check in.”

ACTIVITY APP

I am Apple person. I love all the things apple. I also buy a LOT of Apply products. MacBook Air, iPad, iPhone, iWatch… just to name a few. I love that they all sync. Hello OCD type A personality dream!

I may not being closing all of my rings on a the daily basis…. but that’s a goal to be set. You can see some weeks I’m far better at it than others. Just like some weeks my self care and overall attitude is different from week to week. One thing I’m working on the most? Not ragging on myself as I leave rings open. Some days it just isn’t going to happen. But the app and the iWatch notifications encourage you throughout the day to catch up, check in, or get ‘er done! Sometimes that is literally all I need to get my booty in gear and walk my dog, work out, or go for a run.

Each month comes with it’s own challenges for the individual to complete. This month is a ridiculous amount of exercise minutes. I’m no where near where I need to be to meet that challenge, but I’m still working towards it everyday.

SHINE APP

When I was looking for some motivation for self care I stumbled across an app that sends you daily reminders for self care. I can be honest and say I do not use it to its full potential. But sometimes the little notification is all I need to be reminded I’m not taking great care of myself and need to make ME a priority. After all. There is truly only one “me” in this world.

If life is tough right now… then lean on Shine for your daily motivation/reflection. It just might be your saving grace.

SNUGGLE YOUR PETS

Recently I heard an interview with Tiffani Thiessen and her husband. They have penned a book called “You’re Missing It!” While I do not have children, I can still relate. That moment when I caught my dog acting out because I was GLUED to my phone and iPad was eye opening. I can’t say that I am a perfect pet owner… but I also haven’t been trying my best to take care of her emotional needs as I’m licking my wounds on the couch.

Seeing Hazel Nut act out for attention, sigh when I just brought out the computer, or mope because I’m not going to take her out in the rain… It’s heartbreaking. THAT’s where I’m at these days? WOW. Time to really work on this life I have.

She deserves the best life. So time to get over myself and give it to her.

PLAN A TRIP

Yesterday I decided I needed to do something. The stress of work, the uncertainty of my finances over the summer, the emptiness of my life was just too much lately. So I’m planning a trip that cannot be affected by air traffic controllers, or really anyone but me.

I’m taking Hazel Nut to MAINE this weekend after we get done with work. We’re going to brunch it up in Portsmouth, NH. Check out the lighthouses along the coast. Explore Portland, ME and camp in Acadia National Park. Hazel’s not the greatest camper, but here’s to hoping that she enjoys it enough to handle 36 hours in the campground without us leaving early, or getting kicked out.

We’re also hoping to SUP. However, the weather is apparently still “winter”esque in Maine. Ummm Hello East Coast…. It’s MAY. Lets enjoy the beginning of some SUMMA WEATHER! Please? Pretty Please?

ADD SOME COLOR

This morning I let myself sleep in. Correction, Hazel Nut let us sleep in. Could be because it’s a cloudy day so she didn’t realize how late it was getting before getting breakfast. But either way. We SLEPT IN. 🙂

So after I cleaned myself up I opted to paint my nails. I’m not the greatest at it. But the pretty color is still nice to look at. Plus it’s better than paying someone else to do it and chipping it off shortly there after!

It may not be a spring color, but it’s actually pretty close to NY Yankee colors. Yup, I’m a NYY fan! I had other colors at my disposal this morning, but opted for this old favorite.

Sometimes the self care is as simple as washing you hair, painting your nails, and grabbing your favorite coffee. What ever it is for you… do it today! Because it’s ME MONDAY! And you deserve to take care of yourself.

XOXO,

Nattie & Hazel Nut