What does “looking after yourself” look like?

[AngsanaFlower]

Just interested.
If you consciously look after yourself, what does that look like?

Washing often, cleaning clothes, making your bed daily.
Moisturising. Trimming nails.
Having hair cuts.
Buying and trying stuff from LoveHoney.
Doing things you like just because you like them and not because they'll help career or pay a bill or fix a broken necessary thing.

It could be anything.

Eating well, exercising, drinking water as well as keeping hair tidy, skin care.

I guess I would count keeping on top of housework as self care too, as when I am over run with an untidy house, it affects me mentally.

Daily basics like washing, trimming, brushing etc
Taking vitamins
Regular haircut
Daily high SPF (AM) and Retinol (PM)
Occasional face mask, eyebrow threading, Botox
Exercise - varied
Keeping active generally e.g.walking and using the stairs
Upping the water, fruit, veg, complex carbs and protein
A daily ice pack on the back of my neck for a few mins calms me immeasurably (Google 'Vegus Nerve' - fascinating stuff)
Magnesium before bed to help with sleep
Reading every day
Some sort of puzzle
Reduced screen time
Use of Headspace app
Self-help books
I like puddings and alcohol. They're not disappearing completely! Everything in moderation

I think balancing health, wellbeing, and feelgood stuff. So exercise, sleep, fresh air, good diet, vitamins and all that + meditation, long baths, self-help, getting hair cut regularly, looking after skin etc + seeing friends, reading, chocolate, tv/scrolling, aimlessly wandering round a shop. Just a balance really. As I age it’s easier to listen to that gut instinct that knows what I need most. I try not to tie my self worth to how ‘good’ I am or how many arbitrary boxes I tick.

Regular gym classes/sessions/PT, lots of walking and as much fresh air as possible
Eating healthily and little alcohol - lots of water
Hair cuts and colours
Buying clothes and shoes that make me
feel good
Meeting friends
planning holidays and trips/booking tickets for events

For me, it's:

• Going to the gym 2-3 times a week
• Doing 20 mins of yoga every other morning
• Cleanse, tone and moisturise in the evening
• Massage every other month
• Buying fewer clothes than I used to and either spending more on them, or getting good stuff 2nd hand

As a carer I have to make a conscious effort to remember to do this. Some things I enjoy: some nice cakes from M and S with a cup of tea. Regular swims at the gym. Walks on the beach, soak in the bath with magnesium bath salts or nice Molton Brown in my favourite fragrance. Listening to music with husband and having a chat together.

I suppose in the past it probable meant losing / not putting on weight, having your hair & make-up "done" ... the opposite of "not letting yourself go".

these days, hopefully more of the things above. Taking time for yourself, which isnt for a chore or for someone else. Although, as mentioned, if doing the "chore" genuiely keeps you happy, then you do you.

For me, it's a combination of skincare, buying less but better clothing - in styles that suit me but not necessarily high fashion, cooking more, chosing to spend money on "me" e.g. personal trainer for weights / strengthening. Spending time with people whose company I actually enjoy .... but reserving enough time just to spend time alone too.

I love this reply! I’m currently enjoying Formula 1: Drive to Survive with DH and spending downtime with him is very important to my wellbeing too.

Thank you.

I ask because I’ve been feeling really blue lately after a fun packed summer, and now DC1 is at Uni, work is boring, DH is working away, and I just feel a bit meh and demotivated.

It was my birthday and someone commented that I looked really great for my age, and they said “you clearly look after yourself”. I was really surprised at this, because I don’t think I do look after myself.

I work out a lot, and I don’t eat crap. I get my hair coloured and I look after my skin. I’m not into clothes, know nothing about fashion, don’t wear jewellery, wear a tiny bit of makeup, and don’t do my nails.

I feel like I need to look after myself more, because my support network has always been a bit thin on the ground e.g. mum dead, no sisters, surrounded by DH, brothers, sons, nephews. I’m seriously outnumbered and they all want a piece of me!

The nice compliment inspired me. I do think I need to take more care of myself. I was interested to see what others do.

I think we need a big list of nice things to dip into.

I work out a lot, and I don’t eat crap

Well, if you also get enough sleep and have a few positive relationships you’re covering the basics. However …

work is boring

suggests that the biggest boost you could give yourself right now is a new challenge. This might help:

Mature Study and Retraining board

Oil pulling first thing
Fresh celery juice in morning
Walk at least an hour a day
Ten portions fruit and veg per day
Body brushing before shower
Scalp massager morning and night
Face yoga
Dermaplaning every fortnight
Eye brow threading occasionally
Spf and tinted moisturizer and Mac Velvet Teddy every day

Thank you for starting this thread @AngsanaFlower , I hope you're feeling better soon.
After a fairly awful year and my health suffering for it, my GP advised I need to take time to look after myself, which left me feeling no wiser. It's good to know what others make time for and find beneficial.

For me it means keeping healthy: eating a balanced diet, sleeping enough, being physically active, looking after my mental health too and reducing stress.

In term of my physical appearance: clean hair & nails and regular showers, Clea clothes moisturiser with sun protection. My routine is simple.

Keeping my mind occupied, learning new things and keeping toxic people out of my life...

Anything above the bare essentials so going to the gym, having a good diet, haircuts, doing my makeup and wearing clothes that make me feel good as well as spending time pursuing what makes me happy.