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Original poster

Extreme self care anyone?

129 replies

ChapstickLegends · 25/12/2016 16:59

Is anyone familiar with the Cheryl Richardson book 'The Art of Extreme Self Care'?

It's not only about physical self-care but also mental and emotional.

I've been aware of it for years and I suppose I've adapted bits of it to suit my life but I think it's time to ramp things up in 2017.

The book is 99p on Kindle at the moment if you're interested in taking a look.

Anyone want to join me to work through it (at least the bits we find useful?)

OP posts:
Lorelei76 · 26/12/2016 16:10

looks quite....not S&B related?

FrustratedFrugal · 26/12/2016 17:06

I think self care is highly S&B related - I mean how can I truly look great if I am miserable inside Wink

I started reading the book and the first task is saying "I love you" every time you see your reflection somewhere. My first thought was whether there is a more British approach - are we allowed to tone this down a bit? Please let me know if you come up with something...

Lorelei76 · 26/12/2016 17:13

Frustrated "I think self care is highly S&B related - I mean how can I truly look great if I am miserable inside"

I see your wink so I know you get it! But I've never looked better the last few weeks - because my mother is terribly ill and I don't want her to see what I really look like at the moment. So I have had people say "oh you seem to be coping all right" - best acting face on as well as everything else. I have even got the body language down. It is hard - I got in my own front door today and just cried and cried.

I'm sure there's been times I have felt terrific and looked bloody awful so it kind of doesn't relate to a large extent.

stumblymonkey · 26/12/2016 17:17

I'd be up for this...and definitely with a focus on what parts we can apply to our own lives as I'm sure not every part is applicable to us all. One of my self-care things to do in 2017 is only to use MN for useful things not getting sucked in for hours reading threads that have no bearing on my life.

This would fit the useful category Grin
Will purchase and start reading the intro and first chapter on the plane to Berlin tomorrow!

Inkspot · 26/12/2016 17:26

This looks good. I've had a terrible year and am in need of a way of structuring some sort of self care. Yy to pp about not getting sucked into mn for one, although I think the no shop threads could be really helpful

allegretto · 26/12/2016 17:32

What's S & B?

ihatethecold · 26/12/2016 17:37

Style and beauty

Want2bSupermum · 26/12/2016 17:45

pheebs I hear you. I'm a cheapie and do everything at home except my hair and eyebrows. For a face mask I put a thick layer of honey on. I always do my own manicures and pedicures too every two weeks or so.

FrustratedFrugal · 26/12/2016 17:57

Lorelei I am sorry that you've had such a tough time Sad

I think it is commonplace S&B advice to say that by eating right your skin and hair and nails will look better. I see extreme self-care as an extension of this approach - as an investment in holistic wellbeing. I tend to take good care of my hair and skin but often feel that I am overlooking lots of other far more crucial needs.

I've had a fairly tough year and the next on won't be any easier. My facade looks okay but inside it's a different story - and I think I need to really take stock and understand what is going on. Positive affirmations are not a bad place to start because harsh self-criticism is one of the permanent features in my inner landscape.

OneWithTheForce · 26/12/2016 18:01

Thanks OP I've just downloaded it and will start reading this evening.

allegretto · 26/12/2016 18:20

Ive just skim read it - thanks op.

twattymctwatterson · 26/12/2016 19:22

Might get this actually!

Original poster
ChapstickLegends · 26/12/2016 21:09

Lorelai Flowers. I wish I could say something that would help, but of course there isn't anything.

I agree it's not solely, or perhaps even mainly, S&B related but it was my first thought of where to put it. If you have a better idea let me know and we can ask MN to move it.

I will post on Weds with my genius ideas for how to proceed. Anyone else with an idea should feel free to chime in in the meantime!

Frustrated of course you can tone down/adapt/ignore anything that isn't going to work for you! I haven't read the chapter yet so can't give specific ideas but I'd start by suggesting that you maybe look in the mirror and appreciate yourself. I mean the way you would to a dear friend who was feeling low about her appearance. Look at yourself with a warm and loving eye.

Would something like that be worth a shot? Or are you still cringing at the thought? Wink

OP posts:
Hellooooitsme · 26/12/2016 21:15

Hi Ive just read the first chapter where you identify what you are deprived of and what you need more of to make you feel fulfilled.

GrumpySausage · 26/12/2016 21:21

I've just bought this and it's due to be delivered on the 30th. Definitely my New Years resolution to look after myself physically and mentally. Really looking forward to reading it.

EnidButton · 26/12/2016 21:39

Just place marking in case you get loved to somewhere else. Smile I haven't downloaded the book- yet- but I am interested. I think self care is extremely important. It seems like such an obvious thing but if you really think about it, a lot of people neglect themselves or put themselves last as they've been taught that to do otherwise us selfish or self centred. Especially, or even mainly, women.

I think I'm pretty good at it already but this looks interesting.

EnidButton · 26/12/2016 21:40

Loved = moved.

Original poster
ChapstickLegends · 26/12/2016 21:43

I kinda liked 'loved' Grin

You make a good point that 'self care' for women is usually used to mean looking after your physical appearance (or 'pampering' Hmm). We are certainly not encouraged to consider or even identify our emotional and personal needs.

OP posts:
EnidButton · 26/12/2016 21:44

I thought loved was an appropriate typo too. Smile

beeny · 26/12/2016 21:55

I have just bought this I need inspiration.

ilovecherries · 26/12/2016 22:36

I've got a paper copy coming tomorrow. Kindle is for fiction, but I like paper if there are exercises and checklists involved. I've had chronic pain for a number of years now, following an accident. GP referred me to a pain clinic earlier this year, and they are very into working with the internal landscape as well as treating the outward manifestation. I'm not sure what I think about it really, but I'm happy to explore it a bit more.

MoggieMaeEverso · 26/12/2016 22:56

I've just downloaded it and am going to start reading now.

buzzlightyearsdinosaur · 26/12/2016 23:19

For 99p I am in. Thank you for posting Chapstick.

SickRose · 26/12/2016 23:33

Definitely interested in this. I'll go download the book now.

ohms11 · 27/12/2016 04:27

I have downloaded also. Good time for new year's resolution to be better to myself.