Over a year ago I challenged some friends to identify ways that they can and do nurture themselves without using food. I think it’s about time for a reminder, don’t you?. These women’s responses were thoughtful, creative and inspiring.
Here are some common themes:
Communing with Nature– dig your hands into some soil, play in the rain, relax by a river, lake or ocean, go for a walk in woods, pet an animal…
Movement– dance, stretch, walk, run, take a yoga class (or any class), bike ride, twirl…
Physical Contact/Friendship/Love– help an older person, call a friend, hug a child, have a sleepover and tell stories in the dark, make out, hug, kiss, masturbate, have sex, date yourself…
Creativity– singing, arts & crafts, drawing, knitting, painting, sculpting, collaging…
Reading/Writing– free write for 1, 5 or 10 mins, doodle, re-read your favorite novel, write a gratitude or favorite things list, get lost in a library or book store…
Professional Help– make an appointment with a coach, healer, massage therapist, nutritionist, gynecologist, astrologer…
Buying Yourself a Gift(<$20)– cheap earrings, new lipstick, a journal, a luscious lotion, pedicure or manicure, free make-over at department store…
Here’s YOUR Challenge:
Each week for the next 5 weeks choose one action from the list above to nurture yourself.
What’s your self-care commitment? You deserve it, w i t h o u t q u e s t i o n. Let us know how it goes! xoxo
Needing some motivation? Read this post on being a Self Care Warrior.
Click here to read other posts on Self Care.
* Special heartfelt thanks to Silismar S., Mary M., Leslie C. and Ana A.!
I adore this idea, Elo! I’m in.
Yay Luann! Let us know how it goes… xo
how did you ever guess that I was running myself ragged! I am responding to the self care challenge. do I just choose one :)
well, I saw what you chose. YOU ROCK! let us know how it goes… xo
The movement part is covered, at least twice a week!
If anyone wants to work on the physical contact/love piece, the Neighbor to Neighbor Network in Bloomfield is always looking for more volunteers. My twice a month grocery shop with the senior citizen I work with is a pleasure for both of us. I get as much, if not more, out of it as she does.
contact information:
Shelley B. Slafkes, Esq., LSW
Volunteer Coordinator
Neighbor to Neighbor Network
One Municipal Plaza
Room 213
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
Phone: (201) 259-3080
this is a great resource– thank you for sharing! giving is certainly a form of self care and receiving love… xo