THE SELF-CARE ONE - Issue #19
THE SELF-CARE ONE - Issue #19
Because never was it more important that we look after ourselves,,,
Hello there gorgeous readers
Welcome to back to another issue, and if this is your first issue, then a double welcome to you. It’s great to have you onboard!
I hope this issue finds you well and safe and coping with all that’s going on in the world. And also managing to stay healthy & sane in this stressful run up to Christmas.
This time of the year can be so draining on our physical and mental health, that it’s the perfect time to dedicate an issue to making sure our health and well-being is everything it can be.
So dive in, dear readers, and don’t forget to carve out some me-time to keep you functioning as you need to at this busy time of year ;)
SELF CARE ESSENTIALS: What to do to keep yourself upright and functioning
The problem is, that as mid-life women, we have so many plates spinning, that our own well-being gets pushed down to the bottom of the pile.
If we allow things to spiral out of control, we can’t possibly be effective in carrying out all the responsibilities that we need to.
Just as if you were to experience a problem on a plane (heaven forbid) you need to put on YOUR oxygen masks first before helping everyone else with theirs.
We must not allow ourselves to be free-falling through life before stopping to take care of ourselves. There are warning signs that you’re in a downward spiral. Thins such as:
Not sleeping as well as you used to
Getting ill more than often you did. I’m talking silly, annoying infections.
Not enjoying things as you once did. Doing things you normally enjoy and them seeming a bit “flat”*
*Please note that these can also indicate depression - mild or otherwise - so if you’re suffering from these and don’t feel like yourself for a fortnight or more, see your GP.
So, if we are struggling, what can we do?
1. Reduce Your Burden :
Delegate:
Ask yourself ‘where am I over-extending?’ and get creative about to whom and how you might be able to delegate some of the things on your ‘to-do’ list.
Say ‘no’:
Always think ahead before committing yourself to something and ask yourself ‘is it truly realistic for me to be able to fit this in?’ If not, say no nicely and move on!
Allow more time:
Always overestimate how long something will take, whether it be a car journey or a task. Unexpected things happen all the time in life so plan your schedule accordingly.
2. Nourish Your Body:
Eat plenty of a variety of vegetables, healthy fats and good quality protein. Reduce or eliminate sugar, white bread and pasta and processed foods. Only drink alcohol in moderation, 3 or 4 glasses of wine per week (and not all in one go!). Go easy on the coffee, 1-2 cups per day.
3. Prioritise Sleep:
Have a bedtime routine and come off social media and your phone 2 hours beforehand. Aim for 7-8 hours per night.
4. Move Your Body:
Try to do something physical daily, even if it’s just adding in some extra walking or flights of stairs. Pick something you enjoy and start small. Be consistent.
5. Have Fun:
Keep connected with friends and aim to have things in your diary to look forward to.
6. Be Grateful:
Acknowledging the things for which we are grateful has been proven to have tangible benefits to our stress levels. By making a note of the positive aspects in our life and why they make us happy can give us a greater sense of calm.
Midlife for us women entails juggling many balls each and every day. We may never regain the carefree, respsonsibility-free lifestyle we enjoyed in our 20’s, but there’s a lot we can do to help ease the burden and lift our heads above the parapet to enjoy our middle and later years.
DOLLOP OF POSITIVITY
Need I say anymore?
Just be sure you’ll do all you can this season to give yourself priority. It matters more than you think….
So there you have it. Some suggestions for you give yourself some love this season and thereby making sure everyone else is having the best time.
This is the last issue before Christmas, so I wish you all the most wonderful Christmas break with your loved ones and that you find time to relax and re-charge to face with New Year with zest and enthusiasm. I have some big plans for 45 Not Out going forward into 2022, so keep tuned and I’ll fill you in when they’re ready.
Have the Christmas you deserve
Una x