Self-care every day 2019

[mumof2sarah]

Hi everyone and HAPPY NEW YEAR

I've not made a resolution as such but I am going to do more for myself in the form of self-care. It doesn't have to be too much or for too long but I want to do something daily. I'd love for you all to try and join me.

Here's a list of some of the things I've got on my list:

Read a chapter of what ever book I'm reading.
Bubble bath.
Meditation.
Walk.
Lunch by myself.
Cup of tea in peace.
Movie and candles.
Music hour.

That's just a few of mine. My aim is daily BUT I'm not going to over push myself where I get annoyed if I don't do it. I will try at least 5/10 days even if it's just a 5 minute meditation or a cup or tea in peace.

Who wants to join me? And what're your favourite ways of self-care?x

mum glad you’re ok now. A relaxing bath sounds like heaven, no chance for me with a 4 month old!

My self care was dinner with a dear friend this evening. I’m so tired at the moment because my DD is going through a sleep regression phase so it was good to chat about non-baby stuff.

I have been ill so not much self care but plenty of rest and hot drinks. I have also been on lots of long walks to try and get some fresh air and it has been working wonders for me. Everyone is doing so well and I'm loving all the new ideas that keep popping up. I have a list on my phone of things to try thanks to you lot

Thanks @Didsomeonesaybunny I love dinner and catch ups with friends it's always so nice xx

@VanillaSugarCookies aww hope you feel better soon, my self care tonight is a nice home cooked meal and then I'm settling down with my book and restful nights sleep HOPEFULLY x

Sorry you're feeling ill, Vanilla. Forced rest sometimes useful though, as Sarah said - it's just a pity we sometimes have to be ill before we get it!

Work is crazy-busy, but I've just booked a night in London for in a couple of weeks and am also going to try to book a few nights away for half term. I've also treated myself to a bright coloured coat in the sales, to try to brighten up the still horribly dark January mornings.

The skin on my hands is horribly cracked, probably from a mixture of central heating and cold, but the bright side is that at least it's forcing me to be better at remembering to use hand cream!

vanilla - feel better soon! Long walks sound really lovely.

Remus - a London break will be lovely, it looks really pretty here at the moment after the madness of Christmas hasn’t now passed. I love bright colours, definitely needed to cheer up dreary January. I have so much handcream here and I never ever seem to use it, I probably should though.

My DD is going to be weaning soon so I tried out my baking/cooking skills today in readiness. Everything tasted ok, albeit a little dull without salt/sugar but at least I know I’m able to make some healthy meals for her. Low self care for me today but I’m now in bed gnawing on a nitro grain bar (woo - rock and roll!) with a hot cup of tea and feeling thankful for this moment so that can be my self care and my accomplished baking!

That’s lovely, you’re all doing so well

It was my day off yesterday, I went swimming in the evening, I’m so proud of how it’s going, not because I’m fantastic at it, but because I did go, rather than sitting on my arse. And I did my usual set and then thought: you know what, I am really enjoying this, I’ll do 4 more lengths. In November I could only swim confortably for 15 min. Now I do sets of 30 minutes without stopping. Been going once or twice a week, I must get back into swimming 3 times a week.
Tonight it’s pilates. And tomorrow night is my book club.
I’m having counselling and I’m finding it useful, gives me lots to think about.
It’s nearly Friday and I have the weekend off :)
Have a good day everybody :)

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I'm so so jealous of your London night away. I've been looking for the bestiary half term just for a cpl of night to surprise the kids and maybe DMIL depending if she's good in the run up to it ha ha. I always use a ted baker hand cream (it's my luxury buy) and always feel so much better from it. Hope you're having a nice day today xx

@Didsomeonesaybunny I loved cooking and baking around weaning, but I also loved morning rusk treats.. one for baby, one (or two for mama) lol. Hope your enjoyed your brew and bar and slept well xx

@8FencingWire Woohooo to the weekend off, I bet you can't wait. My councilling session is next week and I'm dreading it because the last few have been very daunting and emotional but at the same time I'm looking forward to going, it sounds so silly. I would love to start like Pilates or yoga I'm just not in the right frame of mind just yet I don't think. Hope you're having a nice day xx

Today I've done something I've been saying but not done really and that's walked, it was only for a small amount of time because it was freezing but by god it did me the world of good. It lifted a bit of a fog I've had for a few days and given me an appetite which I've been lacking for a bit, had 2 meals today which is unusual for me and I'm even looking forward to a meal tonight too x

Hi, everyone. Glad you're all okay.

I feel guilty, because everybody is getting some exercise and all I've been doing all week is working, sitting at home working, sitting at home not working, or in the bath! Will definitely try to get a decent walk in at the weekend, if it's not too wet.

Self care today involves not doing much work at home this evening (sigh of relief), and browsing flights etc for Easter.

Surprising the kids with a couple of nights away sounds a lovely idea.

My current hand cream is Clarins, but my favourite one is Aveda Hand Relief. However, I'm going to try the Burts Bees one in a glass pot next, I think, to cut down on plastic (self care and planet care combined!).

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie please don't feel guilty, this group is for any self care, I go through stages where I never exercise or walk but I concentrate on other parts of me, my mind or my hygiene, they're all equally as important. I've been loving your updates and find your ideas for self care so inspiring. Keep going... you've got this! That's what this group is about, it's a inspiration and support to keep us going, with something big, small or major xx

Hey ladies,

8fencing - I’m envious of you swimming, I took my DD to the pool today but there was no swimming for me just bobbing her in the water, seeing her smile and giggle was gift enough. You sound like you have a nice week planned. I’ve been doing yoga at home (when I get a spare minute)

remus - current handcream I have is by Byredo but it came free with a beauty advent calendar, far too pricey to buy when I rarely use the stuff but smells divine. I actually used a dollop today because of your post and my hands smell lush!

mum - glad you’re feeling clearer, running does that for me. I like to listen to break up songs whilst running and it pushes me through. I’m also glad you’re getting back your appetite, baby steps and all that.

I’ve had a shit few days but this evening I feel lighter. I had lunch today with some lovely mums after swimming which was nice. I had wanted to go for a run but that didn’t materialise and instead I spent hours looking at recipes and meal planning for my DD (I actually thoroughly enjoyed doing it). She’s fast asleep now so going to watch a bit of Netflix (with no chill)

remus, let me put something into perspective here. I went to pilates tonight, felt great at the end of it. Hard work, but felt relaxed etc. Went home, put a bag of doritos in a bowl, grated half a block of cheese over it, microwaved it and scoffed THE LOT! And I make no apology for it either, I loved it. They’re both self care, both the pilates/swimming etc, and the unhealthy dinner 😂

I suppose I see self care as ‘Killing Beverly’. Beverly, in case you didn’t come across the thread, is the one that gives the cheesiest poece of pizza to the husband/children. Who uses the wet towel after everybody in the house has had a shower, leaving a fresh one for the next one, but not for her. That type of thing.

I love how exercise makes me feel just as much as a box of eclaires. It’s not important what. As long as it’s for you and it makes you feel like you're doing something nice for yourself :)

bunny, can someone look after your DD for a bit once a week? I do miss the baby splashing in the pool. But I know what it leads to: 10 years of every Saturday by the pool whilst DD had her lesson 😂. Why did you have a shit few days?

sarah, I find the counselling draining too. Hugs. The world as I know it is shaking. We’ll get there.

I’m going to bed, the washing machine has just finished but I’ll let Beverly get up and do it, I’m going to bed!
Nait nait.

Hello, lovely people on the loveliest of threads!

Your sense of perspective is admirable, Wire.And why have I never thought of microwaving cheese covered Doritos? I knew there was something missing in my life.

It's Friiiiiiiiiiiday! Yet another spectacularly busy day at work and I'll have to do a couple of hours over the weekend to catch up with myself, but tonight is all about going to the pub (a Margarita is self-care, right - full of vitamin C and an anti-scorbutic?!) and then Malaysian food which, because I'm veggie, will be loaded with lovely, crunchy vegetables.

I've just put some Nuxe handcream in my John Lewis basket, to get free delivery on a new kitchen bin (see what a glamorous life I lead!). I resorted to Savlon as hand cream this morning, and it's helped enormously - typing this has just made me notice that, so now I'm going to go and apply some more!

I bought a bunch of pink lillies last weekend, which have mostly opened now - so beautiful. Flowers are definitely self-care!

Have a lovely weekend, everyone.

Oh and I LOVE the 'Killing Beverly'idea, which I hadn't come across. I am definitely not a Beverly.

Evening ladies!

8fence - I think exercise is really good for mental health, I always feel so much better when I’ve done something. I agree though self care can take any form and I think it’s important because we spend so much time doing for others. My new boyfriend has a nanny for his two DC (from a previous marriage) and she always offers to have my DD but I’m not overly fussed. I’m going to find someone new I think. Ahhh shit few days because my boyfriend was out of town but is now back horaaay! He’s popped out to get a bottle of wine. Also shit because my ex (DD’s biological father continues to behave like an idiot).

remus - ooh I love a margarita - reminds me of Vegas! Tbh I like any cocktail really, particularly gin based. A nice treat for a Friday night. And jealous of the Malaysian. I love flowers in the house, tulips are my favourite but lillies are a close second. I’m going to go to Columbia flower market on Sunday to pick up some flowers I think, I love it there.

Bf and I have had a lovely day, we went for lunch and then came home and had a bath together and a Tom Collins cocktail and then we made homemade pizza. My DD giggled when she saw him which melted my heart. I’m so glad to have found someone who loves her, I felt so very guilty that her biological father just abandoned her. Have a nice bottle of Bordeaux en route which is just the best self care.

mum - hope you’re ok today and have managed a little stroll and are managing to get some sleep and nutrients into you. Thinking of you x

God, I had a nightmare day at work yesterday. I was totally drained by the end of it.
I had bookclub pretty much straight after, had enough time for a shower and a quick pedal to the end of my road. It was fab, met some new people, we had a right laugh. The only downside was my new jeans. I don’t wear jeans, right, I’m a dress person. But pushed the boat out and got myself a pair from hush on sale. Tried them on, yeah, they fit. A size 14, right. Long boots, my new Baukjen top, felt good. Got on the bike and realised hmmmm, I’m struggling to feed my leg through. Feels a bit tight, but nevermind. Got to the traffic lights to cross the road, I could NOT get off the bloody thing, I had to jump off straight legged and nearly fell off. And spent the night trying to cover my builder’s bum, they’re so tight they slide down. Awful. I knew there was a reason I hate jeans. And why cheesy doritos aren’t the most brilliant idea I’ve ever had 😂. But I’ll be damned if I ever buy a pair of 16 jeans.
I’ve joined this bootcamp type of thing called drop a dress size. I’ll think of it as ‘fit into a size 14 friggin’ camp’. Awful 🤣 I’m not a size 14. I’m a 12. I sound obsessed. But I am 70kg and 1.70 tall, there’s no way in hell I’m a 14. I’ve got a healthy BMI. And I’m a size 14 😂🤣🤣

I’m off to parkrun this morning.

Just had a thought. Do people still get in the bath with their jeans and let them dry on you? I remember doing this with Levys about 30 years ago, it was a thing back then to make them fit better.
Or do I just have to lose a stone and be done with it?😂

Still enjoying reading this lovely thread. It has a warm and cosy feel to it this January. Wish I had time to join in rather than lurk!

Evening, folks.

Hope everyone had had a good day.

Wire - I never got into the bath in my jeans, but my mum used to sew me into them occasionally, if I begged loud enough!

Just had the most wonderful bath - Clarins body exfoliation scrub, a Nip & Fab bubble face mask and then a liberal application of Aveeno body moisturiser and some Clarins face oil afterwards. Feel like a new woman!

We're staying in tonight, because it's horribly cold and wet. Beetroot salad for tea, with fish cakes for dp and M&S cheese croquette things for me. I may also enjoy a small port and lemon or two (party like it's 1977).

8fencing - your posts make me chuckle. I didn’t know people bathed in jeans in the 80s! Worth a try perhaps! Ah cycling in jeans, the joys. I don’t really like jeans either, or any trouser really, I wear dresses 99% of the time and sometimes wear jeans. I feel like a lard ass at the moment, I’m only about 3 pounds heavier than when I had the baby and wasn’t big before but my hips are even wider than normal and I feel out of shape. Promising myself that next week I’ll be hardcore on the exercise bandwagon. Have signed myself up to 2 classes a day and pre-paid so that I have to go. I have an ED so really find weight and eating a bit stressful really. What book are you reading in yours club?

leonora come and join in our fun!

remus - ooh that sounds very luxurious. I used to be shit with skincare (only ever used a wipe to take off make up) and then at age 30 I thought right I need to start adulting and now try and do Skincare everyday. I love the cheese croquettes, I pretty much love everything in marks and Spencer’s food hall though.

Friends of mine came to London today so I’ve had a really lovely day showing th around my neighbourhood. We went to the food market and then for brunch. It was really lovely and just what I needed. I miss home sometimes. My OH made dinner this evening for my friends. A really lovely evening.

Since my ex left me it’s been pretty tough single parenting, my OH is wonderful with the baby but often away 3-4 days a week, really think I could do with an au pair/nanny as I have no family in London and would be good to have a little more time to get shit done.

Ps - sorry for my essay long posts, need to be more liberal!

Morning all!

I had a really lovely day yesterday, I did a parkrun. For those of you who never done it, let me explain. Imagine 2-300 people, some with dogs, some with kids, some with kids in buggies. All ages and shapes. And then we all run for 5km. And sort of halfway through you want to say sod this, I’m going home, but you don’t, because they scan your number at the end and you want that darn number scanned for some weird reason. You want to see your time. Come 2/3 of the way, generally it’s uphill as well in my park, you really had enough of it, we discussed shampoo, what’s for dinner, stuff (I run with my friend, we two CAN chat) whilst walking 🙄😂.
Then I go: come on, we have a little bit left, we walk to the end of this section and then run, deal? She is not interested. Then those who are on the home straight come behind you and shout: c’mon, ladies, speed it up whilst overtaking you at great speed, harldy broken into a sweat whilst we’re still hyperventilating beetroots. So you go: god, let’s leg it.
And then it’s done. Can take anything between 18 min (an 18 old) to 49min (newbies). Then we all go for coffee/breakfast, and people are euphoric and chatty and lovely and encouraging and you grin all the way home. And your fitbit goes mad, cause you’ve achieved the number of steps, you’ve burned all the calories you’re gonna have for dinner and it’s not even 10 am.

I love it!

bunny, I paid no attention whatsoever to what we are reading next month because I won’t be there, we’re away. We discussed teenagers and jobs etc 😂. How old is your baby?

remus, I have a friend who’s idea of cooking is M&S dinner for 2 for £10! I love it, every time it’s suggested, brings the food over, ‘cooks’ it and then we’re done 😂

I saw a friend yesterday too, had a coffee and a browse in an independent book shop.
Then came home and another friend came for my 4o’clock coffee and cake bringing a box of chocolate. I normally bake and have an open house policy, they all know, 4 o’clock I’m up for a coffee and some cake. I do this at work every day too. But in January I don’t bake, we use all those tins of shortbread and boxes of chocolate we got at Christmas :)
So very sociable day, friend stayed for dinner, I rummaged in the freezer and found something, reheated it and made a salad to go with it.
More socialising today, we’re a big group meeting for lunch. But I’m going to the pool first for a swim. The housd is a bit of a tip. Oh well.

Great idea for a thread, some really nice ideas! I’m trying to go to more galleries since they are generally Baby-friendly, oddly!

Following with interest.
In 2018, I became a veggie, went back to wearing my retainer and cut my hair washes from every day to twice a week (it was awful for the best part of a year but I'm finally starting to see a change and my hair is less greasy now!)
Since the 1st of this month, I've lost 6 pound and have been eating more wholesome foods.
I meditate with my class (SEN teacher) every morning.
I used to use food as a treat for making me happy but I've taken up bullet journalling, which I really enjoy and that seems to have curbed the appetite a little!

Happy Sunday, everyone.

We had a lie-in, and then went for a long walk along the canal, then had a pub Sunday lunch and then walked home through the park. We probably did about four and a half miles.

Loved your description of Park Run, Wire. I really want to take up running again, but I keep making excuses. I wonder if getting a decent fleece/long sleeved running top might help as an incentive?!

Happy Sunday everyone. Hope you're all ok. I've used this weekend to have ALOT of family time after being so off last weekend. We had a lovely relaxing Friday evening just reading and chilling and yesterday we spent the best part of the day snuggled under throws watching old episodes of the great British bake off whilst making cakes out of play doh. Today I was up early doors. I'd done my food shop at the local Tesco express and done a tidy up by 10 then we've been to a local country park and walked and walked and walked for around 3 hours. We stopped and got some food on the way home because none of us fancied cooking after that walk and we've just loved every minute of it. I'm worn out now but a really really good worn out, the kind where everything feels perfect and lovely. I've got a lot of posts to catch up on but just wanted to say hi and check in properly sending lots of Sunday love xx