WHY SELF CARE NEEDS TO NOT JUST BE LIP SERVICE.....
Dear lovely readers
Welcome to the latest edition of the 45 Not Out newsletter. And an especial welcome to any the new lot of subscribers I’ve had. It means a lot that you put enough trust in me to sign up to the newsletter and I hope my random ramblings resonate with you!
I also hope that this edition of the newsletter finds you all well and for those readers in the UK - who knew that this stretch of sunny, almost summer-like weather would last this long!? But, playing to type, I think the weather is due break at the end of this week, just in time for the Bank Holiday!
So, with a Bank Holiday on the horizon, I wonder how many of you will try and steal some time for yourself. I’m talking about SELF CARE.
Now, I’m writing about this today, because that’s exactly what I had to do yesterday and I felt SOOOO guilty about not firing up the computer to do the tasks I’d set myself that day.
At the end of last week, I’d come down with a bacterial infection, and despite having anti-biotics, hadn’t quite gone.
I’d struggled through Monday and worked, but by Monday night, it was clear I needed to rest more and to give myself some self care - which meant taking a day off.
So, I very, very guiltily got myself up on Tuesday, got dressed and breakfasted and then, rather than starting work, I went downstairs, worked out how to fix the TV to the DVD player, lay on the sofa and watched a couple of very soppy, but very enjoyable DVD’s. I think I even may have dropped off for a short period at one point.
But the point is, I relaxed and rested for the whole day. And yes, the guilt kicked in big time, but I tried to loose myself in the trashy films and not think about it.
And, the pay off of doing all of that yesterday, was that I woke up feeling much, much better and lighter today, and have had more energy than I’ve had for several days.
So, there’s a bit of an empirical theory for you, based on my experiences. But what does science say about giving yourself some self-care?
Well, a quick scroll on t’internet, and I found these. Written by people who know about these things far more than I do ;)
The Science Behind Taking Breaks
Regular breaks, even short "micro-breaks," have been shown to improve productivity, energy, and focus, while reducing stress and decision fatigue 479.
Longer breaks and time away from routine responsibilities allow the brain and body to recover from chronic stress, supporting overall well-being and preventing burnout 79.
For women balancing multiple roles, scheduling breaks and self-care time is essential for maintaining the energy and resilience needed to support themselves and others 37.
Isn’t it gratifying to know that taking a “lazy” or “wellbeing” day is proven by science to do what it’s supposed to - to help us dial backwards in our stress gauge and to re-charge our batteries. As my experience yesterday and today shows.
But, how easy is it do that? We all know that sinking feeling of guilt when we consider doing something different than what we “ought” to be doing. But I’d hope that my experience yesterday, coupled with the scientific evidence that I’ve found, will help you to shut out those nagging thoughts about what you SHOULD be doing, rather than what you NEED to do.
If you’re facing a situation like this, drop me a line and let me know how it goes. Just reply to this email and it will find me :)
So there you go, a bit of common-sense backed up by science. I hope this little rambling of mine resonates with you and helps you to book in some self care with yourself when time allows - it’s vital to ensure that you stay fit enough to be able to carry on looking after those who we do look after.
Whilst I’m still here, please could I ask a favour? I love putting this newsletter together, and it’s something I look forward to each fortnight. And I’d hope it brings something to your life.
I have to admit - I love doing it - but it does take up some time. More often than not, before I put pen to paper, I research the topic I’m writing about online and present you lovely lot with information and suggestions that I hope benefit you in your everyday lives.
What I’m asking right now, is that, if my fortnightly emissions have helped you in any way, then would you be kind enough to buy me a coffee? I have a Kofi account where you can donate - click on this here to donate a one-off payment.
Thank you so much.
So, that’ll be a wrap from me for the next fortnight. I hope you stay well and happy and manage to factor in some “me time” and self care. It’s important!
Till next time
Una x