Self Care & Summer Fun.
How often do you take the time to relax or feel you’re going 100 miles an hour and know you need to take a break yet don’t because you don’t have time or think you don’t have time? Truth is, sometimes you don’t have time, not to.
So, as we move into summer, the season of fun and relaxation; let’s have some fun and relax!
People understand that taking care of themselves is important, yet many neglect it.
Sadly, I have to work at relaxing. My dad was a workaholic. He grew up during the depression and didn’t have much as a kid. He worked for everything he had. That’s why material things were important to him as an adult. I am a recovering workaholic.
Let’s face it if you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be around to take care of all the people and “things” you say are important to you.
When you’re tired, maybe it’s your body’s way of saying, slow down. Our kids take naps to re-energize, even though they resist lying down to rest. Most adults do an excellent job of taking care of their kiddos and yet don’t take enough time to take care of themselves.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance founded by Mental Health America in 1949 to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing, educate the public, reduce stigma, and promote support for those affected by mental health conditions.
For more information about Mental Health Awareness Month go to the following website: https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/mental-health-awareness-month/
May is also National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to give biking a try.
For more information see: https://bikeleague.org/events/bike-month/
Remember, it’s not always about doing but also being.
For things you can do to take care of yourself and have summertime fun summer I offer the following list of ideas.
Spend time with yourself—Do something which brings you joy each day.
Enjoy a staycation - Sometimes it's just nice to enjoy being at home.
Laugh often – There is an Urban myth that says adults laugh about 17 times a day, kids between 300 - 400 times a day. Myth or not, let’s bring more laughter into our days.
Friends. Call them, have lunch with them, ask them to just hang out.
Celebrate the big things and the “little” things. Because there will come a time when you’ll look back and realize the little things were actually the big things. 😊
Attend a concert – many cities have free outdoor concerts in the summer.
Read a book or magazine.
Enjoy a virtual coffee break, lunch, or happy hour with friends and coworkers.
Set an example by taking time to enjoy life.
Understand you don't have to be perfect.
Make moments into memories.
Make time for movies – maybe even try the Drive-In Theater
Empower yourself Part of leadership is self-care and setting an example for others.
Relax. Reflect.
Find time to give someone a compliment and remember to give yourself a compliment for what you have accomplished.
Umbrellas – keep one in the car for those unexpected summer showers.
None of the following fit nicely into one of the letters so here are more summertime suggestions.
Drink lots of water.
Game night (Rumikub and Things are two favorite board games)
Girls (or Boys) Night Out—get together and talk, eat, play games, see a movie—okay, the boys may play a card game or two and the girls may play Bunco. Let’s face it, it’s not about the game, it’s about the camaraderie, the food, the fun, and most importantly the friendships.
Journal — If you think it, ink it. Putting it in writing can support you in sorting out your thoughts and feelings. Self-reflection can help clarify what’s going on. Many people also write down things for which they are grateful.
Organize a lunch bunch—enjoy lunch out or brown-bag it once a week.
Pray.
Take a catnap.
Take a vacation.
Take a walk.
Work on a puzzle. (jigsaw, crossword)
You got this! And I have your back!
Ann
