Self Care -- Week of 5/15

[freezorburn]

Cam usually starts this weekly check-in for us at TCF, but judging from her recent posts, it sounds like she has a lot going on and hasn't been online much. Hopefully things will settle down for her soon and she'll be able to join us.

I thought this might be a good icebreaker, both for those of us who are new to GBCN as well as those who already call this place home.

I don't often post in the Self Care thread because it's something I'm not very good at. And I struggle to find time and space to even listen to myself, and think about what I need to do for myself to be at my best. But, I do appreciate the fact that there is a weekly check-in. It reminds me that I should be doing something for myself. And maybe just taking a few minutes to give this some thought, is a start.

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Some places to start:
Are there things you regularly do for self-care?
What could you do better?
Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't for whatever reason?

[freezorburn]

Regularly: My bare minimum that I do for myself, is that I do Pilates once or twice a week. I try to get a therapeutic massage once a month, if my schedule allows. I've also found that I need to schedule my next hair cut the same day that I get a hair cut, otherwise it won't happen.

Could do better: I could get more, better quality sleep. Somehow. I need to work some cardio exercise into my week. I wish I could remember to take my vitamins. My house seems to always be a mess and I've been struggling to get control of the clutter. When my living space looks good, I feel good, but it's been hard lately, especially when DS insists certain toys need to be out all the time.

Want to do: I want to fix up my bike and start riding it. And I want to clean the piles of junk out of my home office. Time is the limiting factor. I'm a single mom and have my son 10 days on, 4 days off. And I'm thinking maybe I need to hire a mother's helper type to come play with DS for a few hours on weekends, so I can take care of some household management stuff and maybe get a handle on things and start enjoying my life again.

[zaraceli]

I was planing to have a day without kids this weekend. But like always is something the doesn't go with the plans. Now I have a day in the hospital with my older son, who got hurt yesterday and it turns out he needs a surgery because he fractured his arm. Now I'm going to try to figure out it his ABA can come to the hospital and help me to work with him while in the hospital.what a day

[freezorburn]

May 24, 2017 10:58:51 GMT -5 zaraceli said:

I was planing to have a day without kids this weekend. But like always is something the doesn't go with the plans. Now I have a day in the hospital with my older son, who got hurt yesterday and it turns out he needs a surgery because he fractured his arm. Now I'm going to try to figure out it his ABA can come to the hospital and help me to work with him while in the hospital.what a day

Oh, no! Hope the surgery goes well. Will he have to stay overnight?

I often think it must be so difficult for you to get time for yourself, with how much you are juggling. Hugs.SaveSave

[annie0714]

May 24, 2017 10:58:51 GMT -5 zaraceli said:

I was planing to have a day without kids this weekend. But like always is something the doesn't go with the plans. Now I have a day in the hospital with my older son, who got hurt yesterday and it turns out he needs a surgery because he fractured his arm. Now I'm going to try to figure out it his ABA can come to the hospital and help me to work with him while in the hospital.what a day

Oh no, I hope it isn't a long stay and his recovery is smooth!

[annie0714]

I regularly run for self care. I have great running group of mom friends so the time doubles as some social time and exercise time. The down side is that we meet at 4:55 am. This leads to what I could do better.

I need more sleep. I feel like I'm running on empty and this is only worsening as my current pregnancy progresses. J has been fighting bedtime lately and then pushing mine back farther. My early weak up was more sustainable when he was going to bed at 7 vs 9-10 right now.

Something I've been wanting to do- not sure? Just trying to handle all the stuff right now. We have a big long distance move next month (which means lining up all new stuff for J), starting a new job, and then new baby in September. I haven't had much time to consider other things I want.

[macchiatto]

Are there things you regularly do for self-care? Working out (running and strength training); time with friends (though that's been more sporadic lately); quiet time in the mornings with my coffee before everyone else is up (or right after the boys go to school); time in nature. I've also been working on eating in a way that my body responds to better.

What could you do better? I really need to work on going to bed earlier! Haven't been getting nearly enough sleep lately.

Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't for whatever reason? I need to take the time to play my guitar more often. And maybe take up drawing or something crafty again.

[auntie]

zaraceli, I hope things go well with the medical stuff for your little guy. Yikes! Smart move to bring his regular ABA in. You can also contact the hospital's Child Life Specialist to help engage and entertain him.

What I do for self-care regularly-

I try to get a good long walk in several times a week. Now that the weather is nicer, I've been getting off the paved trails and mixing it up a bit. I think I might take a couple pop-up yoga classes that happen in the park through the week.

I also dabble in hair and beauty products as a hobby. I've been treating myself to Korean Skincare sheet masks; last week I walked through the living room wearing one and neither DS nor DH noticed that there was a "mummy" in their midst. Boys. It's funny though, both my mom and niece asked me the next day if I was 1) well rested or 2) using new foundation because I looked "fresher".

I could sleep more; lately I've been up for an hour or two in the middle of the night which is uncool. I could eat better and drink less. It's National Wine Day today officially. At my house it kind of always is.

I've been wanting some me time, but it just isn't happening. Between my elderly parents and my elderly kid I am tapped out- they have 6 appointments next week that require some input from me. DS could go to his alone, but he'll insist I come and bring my checkbook. DH is missing me and clambering for attention.

I did delegate my mulching and landscape maintenance. I don't even care what the guy does so long as it isn't that creepy dyed stuff.

[wakka]

Are there things you regularly do for self-care?
I run. I'm getting a bit bored of it, but it keeps me sane.

What could you do better?
I could eat better. I have a wicked sweet tooth and it just makes me feel shitty.

Is there something you've been wanting to do, but haven't for whatever reason?

Sign up for a race. I've been lazy about it.