How do you look after yourself?

[NurtureGrow]

A kind of beauty and health question:

I grew up in a psychologically/emotionally abusive home and I notice I struggle to look after myself. I just went to the dentist and need 3 fillings. My skin looks tired and with wrinkles. We have a baby, but I struggled before.

Can you share a comprehensive list of how you look after yourself for health and beauty?

Im thinking:
Circuit training, enough exercise
Eat well
Yearly health check/ blood tests
Take cake of teeth regular dentist apts
What to do for skin?

Basically anything you do, it would help to know! Thank you

Skin examination to check fine (moles)

And anything you do for a partner and / or children

I basically wish I could have someone come to my house everyday for 1-2 weeks and show me their self care routine, as I struggle!

I don’t have any difficultly taking care of our baby.. but have difficulty with thorough self care for myself.

Im ok with normal daily things like showering etc.

I think it’s especially hard for us to take care of ourselves when we have a baby but it’s a good time to learn. If you don’t look after yourself no one else will.

here are some easy ways:
drink plenty of water

eat an apple every day

get out for some fresh air - if you have someone to watch your baby, get out for a walk even if just for 15 minutes - it will do you the world of good!

Also, you matter, you are important. Spend a minute or two moisturising your face and arms. Moisturise your legs every few days.

watch something that you want to watch on TV with no thought to anyone else!

I would start small and build on it. A complete overhaul is a lot easier to give up, but little changes are maybe more manageable?

Get outside every day, if you’ve a baby then even better as you can make it a nice long walk with the pram.

Have you ever tried Liz Earle’s hot cloth cleanser? It feels like a really nice daily act of self-care, it’s a luxurious way of washing your face basically!

I think it's hard to know how to take care of oneself when needs weren't identified and met growing up. They don't go away, but we learn to box those needs up. Now that you have a baby, it's a challenging time to focus in on identifying your needs and meeting them, but having a simple daily routine would help. One that involves fresh air, exercise, food food, water, good hygiene, some interpersonal interaction with an adult who's good for you, and keeping your living environment comfortable and a safe haven.