Everyone needs to take time for themselves. This is imperative for people of any age, children or adults. We all lead busy lives, but we must be aware of the times our body and mind need us to slow down for a minute – or a day – or as long as it takes.
Miriam Counselor Janene Allen shares a few types of self-care she practices and recommends to others – including her own daughter.
I look at self-care as any activity that makes you tune in instead of tune out, so while surfing the internet or a Netflix binge can be relaxing,
it is not a very effective form of self-care. Typically, once a year I will take a tray and put art supplies on it on the dining room table so that we can “happen” in to art, which is truly restorative. I put things like coloring books, blank paper, and dot-to-dots, and then lots of different media, including washi tape, because everyone loves washi tape.
I love to have things in my purse ready to have self-care and mindfulness when we are waiting, such as at a restaurant or in line. These are simple items like wedding bubble blowers, tiny marble mazes, a small bag with a notebook and sparkle pens (everyone loves sparkle pens, too). Then, instead of handing off my phone – or pulling out my phone – I am interacting with my child and engaging in something enjoyable.
If my daughter is feeling sad or had a hard day, we stop for a quick snuggle. Sometimes we simply need human touch to regenerate. It doesn’t take long, and is worth the break.
Outside time is the best self-care around, especially as the weather cools. I am a task-doer, and so it is hard to sit and enjoy the world, but it recharges the batteries like nothing else.
I hope this is helpful, and that the next time you need to take a step away from the business of life, you try one of these methods and feel regenerated!
