Today is the 1st day of August. We are very much in the thick of the monkey’s summer holidays, and next month I go back to work, after nearly fourteen months at home. With everything going on, I have never been more reminded of the need for self-care. As a mother, at times, when everyone needs a piece of you, it is hard to find time to look after yourself. I am terribly guilty of this. In the past it has caused me big problems. So this month I will be accessing the support and information from the wonderful Blurt Foundation for ideas. Every day I intend to do one thing for me in preparation for a very busy and stressful September.
If you have been following my blog, you will already know that I fully promote self-care. Despite being an advocate however, I often struggle to apply my own advice. Plagued by regular episodes of self doubt and low moods, I know that if I am not careful, I can slip off my to do list very quickly. I can soon find myself overwhelmed, doing a poor job of feeding and caring for myself and ultimately crashing badly. Not good for me or those around me.
What is self care?
When you say self care, it is often misinterpreted as behaving selfishly. There is a negative feeling attached to this, as if putting your needs first is not acceptable. It is impossible to save anyone else if you are gasping for breath yourself.
There is also a misunderstanding that self-care needs to be something big, expensive or time consuming. It could just be committing to going to bed early one night a week, reading a page of a book everyday or, in some cases, getting dressed. In the wake of my friend’s death (Coffee, Cake and Cuddles), it became clear that despite being overwhelmingly caring towards others she was neglecting her own basic needs such as feeding herself adequately. The consequences of this were devastating.
The Blurt Foundation
This month I have some planned posts promoting organisations that encourage positive mental health. This first post, and my daily challenge, is inspired by the wonderful Blurt Foundation. Who offer support and advice to those suffering from many forms of mental illness.
Not only do The Blurt Foundation signpost those struggling towards support and assistance, they provide self-care resources. You can, as I have, subscribe to their self-care starter kit. This is an information email with advice and direction regarding self-care. There are also follow up emails with weekly messages of positive support.
I am also very excited as I have ordered one of their Buddy Boxes. Described as “a hug in a box”, which can be bought as a one off or a regular monthly, quarterly, six monthly or annual subscription. This month’s theme is the seaside. Each box is £21.50 each and is full of carefully selected self-care treats. (I am super excited).
31 days of self care: day 1
Due to teething, little sleep and summer monkey madness my running has suffered over the last couple of weeks. I’m missing my endorphins and it is starting to show. Last night, Top and Middle Monkey slept out, after I called on the grandparents to assemble. This gave me some breathing space and time to run. I put my favourite album on my phone and treated myself to a steady 5k during Little Miss’ morning nap. The sun was shining, the music uplifting, and she slept long enough for a shower and quick tidy up too. I felt the most in control I have felt since the holidays started.
How is this going to work?
Each day, I will post on my social media my self-care task. These will range from big things down to very small things, and I will let you know how I get on. I am also challenging you to do the same. Write yourself a list and try and do one thing a day. It can be a one off or something to do regularly. I have ‘read a book’ on my list. I don’t think I have done that since before Little Miss was born. It will take a little bit of patience and creativity but I’m going to give it a go.
Feel free to contact me on Twitter or Facebook with your daily self-care pictures and stories. Use #SelfCare and @BlurtAlerts to let the Blurt Foundation know too. The rules of the task are simple, make sure it is just for you, and it promotes good health and wellbeing. Have fun and, if you need to, keep it very, very simple.
This sounds like a great project, it’s incredible how much energy you can put into raising your children and not even find the time to brush your own hair sometimes!
I used to carry deodorant around in the change bag as I often forgot to put it on! I am getting much better these days though x
This sounds like a wonderful project. You need to do something for yourself when you are sleep deprived! Good luck x
I have been following the Blurt Foundation for a while and they are wonderful. Their ideas are so simple but clever and delivered with humour and care x
WE all need to look after ourselves, how are we meant to look after anyone else if we let ourselves go. A few of my close family members have blamed my illness on my not looking after myself and doing too much. I can’t say whether it’s true or not as no-one can tell me why I got ill, but they probably have a point. I hope your 31 day project goes well and that you carry with it for longer even if it’s not every day x
The Blurt Foundation do a #365daysofselfcare challenge. My 31 days is to highlight some of the little things we can do to show ourselves a little bit of love. My hope is to find a few regular things to continue with in the hope that I cope well when I return to work in September. So far I have pre prepared a healthy breakfast and attempted a better night’ sleep. Everyone deserves a little bit of self care x
I have needed this advice for such a long time so thank you for your post and the link.
I keep promising myself a run and never find the time – you are so right though.self care xx
I am posting a daily update on my social media if you want to follow me there. The Blurt Foundation are amazing. I totally recommend checking them out. I’ll be reviewing their buddy box soon. So keep a look out. I’m so excited x
Also have a look at my runner’s world run streak post. It highlights the benefits of just running a mile at a time. A short time and distance is worth it for the overall benefit x
Good luck with the project, sounds like it is much needed at the moment. Lack of sleep is the worst thing to cope with!
Kara Guppy recently posted…Crealy Adventure Park Devon
Thanks Kara, it sometimes takes a little bit of extra effort but it is totally worth it x
I learned the hard way that if I do not look after myself then I have no reserves to look after everyone else. It is super hard during the summer, but I have booked a sewing retreat for when the boys get back to school
Jen Walshaw recently posted…Top tips for travelling with kids – Are we nearly there yet?
Great idea. I’d love a retreat of any kind. I sometimes dream of a silent retreat. 😉 x