Today I want to talk about self-care. It was something I ignored during my forties and fifties and have come to realize how wrong that was.
Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining good mental health. By incorporating self-care activities into our daily routine, we can reduce stress, enhance our emotional well-being and build resilience.
I try to practice self-care every day by carving out an hour for me. You might say but you are retired.... so that should be easy. But if not careful, I can find myself caught up in chores, self-defined deadlines, and requests from friends and families. I have learned to say no. And I prioritize "me" time.
One thing I do every month is get a pedicure. Yes, pedicures can positively impact mental health by providing relaxation, boosting self-esteem, and creating a sense of well-being.
I love the foot massages which trigger the release of endorphins, the natural feel-good chemicals that uplift your mood.
Self-care is anything but selfish — and it’s one of the most important building blocks when it comes to fostering self-love, improving your relationships, boosting your creativity and productivity, enhancing your physical health, and much more.
If you want to concentrate on yourself here is how you can get started.
Identify activities that bring you joy and relaxation and allocate time for them regularly. Actually, schedule them in your planner.
Develop a schedule that includes several self-care activities and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
Be present in the moment and engage fully in the self-care activities you choose.
Learn to say no to commitments that overwhelm you.
I love my pedicure time, and I just found a new salon that is perfect for this indulgence. The ambiance is quiet and calming and you can even add on more minutes to the foot massage. I tried a "nail salon". There are so many of these places around with 10 to 15 pedicure stations in a row, bright lights and lots of noise. I suffered through having my legs slapped for 45 minutes while my technician chatted in her native language to the next nail technician. Never again!
I bring a book and sometimes ear pods and totally immerse myself in the experience. I highly recommend putting yourself first some of the time. It's not being selfish.
Thanks for being here
Louise x