At times, it can be much easier to care for other people. Taking care of yourself can feel even like a betrayal, or self-indulgence. But remember: you have worth outside of your relationships with others, and self-care is important for our health and wellbeing.
How are you caring for yourself today?– Caria Community
Community comments
27Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Hannah6 years ago
I’m going through an anxious time right now which is difficult as expected, but I remember a piece of advice that was given to me about a year ago: make room for 1 hour a week to do anything you want, and just dedicate that hour to yourself. Have you been interested in painting or dancing? Can you try out a face mask? Or do you just want to be able to drink a cup of tea before it gets cold? Eventually you end up looking forward to that one hour and planning what to do, because you realise how much energy and time you give to others. If you can make room for 2 hours or more, do it, but no less than one hour. Time yourself if you have to.
Natasha6 years ago
Can I suggest we make an hour a DAY for our own mental health. Puberty in reverse is hard!
Elizabethreplying to Natasha5 years ago
Lol. Puberty in reverse. Love it. Yes, make it a Day! You’ve got my vote. ?
Natreplying to Natasha5 years ago
Snap! That’s what I’ve been saying! Puberty in reverse.
Emmareplying to Natasha4 years ago
Puberty in reverse brilliant lol
Lady Dan6 years ago
When I get anxious, my heart seems to send me little warning signals a day before, such as a racing heartbeat or extreme irritability or little problems seem bigger. I am not taking anything substantial because I do not trust pharmaceutical companies of this age. I do sometimes use Kalms for the day and night and it seems to calm my anxiety. I also pray.
Naz6 years ago
I too have this I will try kalme too
Ren5 years ago
My heart is constantly racing, I am the “frazzled psychotherapist.” I do not take anything for it & since the onset of COVID have not made time to exercise which was always standard. Any advice?
Mik6 years ago
I take two days off bi-weekly. One for the home and one for self-care. Some can’t do that much but any amount of time is worth your sanity. I always say, “if I don’t care for me, I can’t care for others” we need our strength and rest. That quiet time is essential for our wellbeing.
Kirsty6 years ago
I love this idea of a day for the home and a day for yourself. A designated time for each rather than trying to cram in where I can. I will try this.
Sara6 years ago
I’m doing the same soon Mon housework Thur me day ?
MaryReBell6 years ago
I do feel guilty but I take myself to bed early and read. This is my gift to myself every day, getting lost in other worlds. Also, soaks with bubble bath. But, I tend to ignore my body "speaking" to me as my DH has health-related anxiety which ends up being stressful
Lucette6 years ago
I make sure to get my bike rides in or my 3 mile walks because I’m in my happy place when I do those things. With all the symptoms I’m dealing with, I need to take care of myself, otherwise I will be of no use to those who need me.
Amy6 years ago
I have had anxiety my entire life. But now in menopause, I am also suffering from joint pain and brain fog. I have found working to be very difficult and I was lucky enough to have my husband tell me I could quit. It has made a world of difference. I still have the symptoms, but they are much more manageable when I don’t have to hide them from coworkers. Waking up in the morning, I don’t have to worry whether or not I will feel sick now. I now spend my days tending to the dogs, grandchildren, keeping the house nice and walking and listening to the music that I love. My wish for other women is that they could have some time to themselves as well.
Naz6 years ago
I find I am doing activities such as gardening helps. It’s exercise and time to think reflect and be able to think about me and what I want to do. Physical activities work best for me.
Sloan6 years ago
After 5+ months working at home due to COVID-19, I finally broke down from putting the needs of my job, my partner, our families and friends above my own. Just now looking at what I need, when and how often I need it and making sure it happens going forward. Love reading others’ suggestions about what they do for themselves — keep sharing, ladies! ????
Christian6 years ago
Overcoming nutrients deficiency with supplements. Changing my diets with more vegetables and two salads a week. P. Playing Panda drum before bed. Improving sleep. Available from Amazon. No expertise required. Just play.
Julie6 years ago
I love to pack up a simple picnic then drive to the countryside for a long walk with my husband. Just seeing and being amongst the beautiful scenery (rain or shine!) makes me feel calmer and contented.
Ari6 years ago
Baking. Learning how to bake sourdough has been really good for me, and I bake it not so much to eat it (which I do), but to experience the process itself. I love baking sourdough and normal bread, and everything else there is to bake.
Ellie5 years ago
Same here Ari l love baking! I have also taken up making sourdough it’s a long process but so satisfying in the end ? My daughter was buying a couple of loaves ? a week quite costly. Love baking my own teacakes, bagels etc as well
Nat5 years ago
I find that reading trashy romance novels with happy ever after endings help me forget all my stress and worries for a short while. Lol. It’s my way of countering a heavy work load and loads of family responsibilities. I imagine that I’m the heroine in the novels: young, beautiful, incredibly sexy and full of life. Very rejuvenating. ?
Kris2 years ago
Any good recommendations?
Kimmy5 years ago
Hi I am very depressed and it’s hard to motivate me to do things. And if I start things it’s hard to get a schedule and keep doing it. I always quit things. Please help me to start a program and finish it.
Julie4 years ago
No time to think about myself. With this brain fog I can’t even remember the term for putting yourself last and making the family the priority. I feel like a failure since I was an IT Pro and now I can’t come up with simple explanations of things I easily “knew”. Taking care of my husband, my mom and my unmarried brother who suffered a serious stroke. No time for me though they love and appreciate me. Praying for strength and energy that doesn’t come from 10 cups of coffee a day. I love the Lord and I know He has wonderful plans for our future, He has revealed this to me.
Darcy4 years ago
I took time for yin yoga and meditation.
Taia Canino4 years ago
I’m upstairs today laying in bed because my stomach doesn’t feel good, so I’m just resting my tummy and letting my coffee and supplements slowly settle into my tummy.
Anonymous10 months ago
Exercise and meditation