Self-care, Self-love, Self-ANYTHING, but let’s all figure out how to Self-GLO together
By Lauren Bretscher, twin mama
October 28, 2022
“Did you take care of yourself today?”
This question is at the top of my to-do lists every week, but that wasn’t always the case. I decided to place this question at the top of my weekly list of tasks to remind myself to take care of me. I need to take care of myself also. I realized I was doing things for everyone and everything, but me. How did putting clothes away or vacuuming up a few crumbs become more important than going for an extra walk or listening to a podcast? I realized I deserve more for myself—and maybe you do, too.
I must be honest; this is a very difficult habit to change. After all, I am busy day in and day out just like any parent or human being for that matter. For me, making this change has a very important first step; change my mindset. Somehow, I got here…choosing to put laundry away over taking time for myself after a busy or fun or happy or stressful day. As my tasks and responsibilities grew slowly, my time for myself decreased and apparently, I was OK with it. I want to change for ME so that I can, one day, demonstrate this important boundary to my children. I want the seed to be planted within them so they too can honor themselves one day. Not have feelings of guilt, think twice or worse, let their subconscious, autopilot-self takeover. Your self-worth and needs are so important. Read that line again.
OK, so what am I doing so far?
#1 – I stop and think about my goals every day. I’m not consistent with mornings, afternoons, or evenings, but once a day I stop and think about my goals, how I want to better myself, decisions I am making, how decisions of mine change depending on how I am feeling, how much sleep I got, etc. and finally, how I can take care of myself in present time vs. living on autopilot.
#2 I listen to audio books or podcasts about all things to improve myself whenever I get the chance. Self-love, self-care, self-worth, parenting, nutrition etc. I’ve had a lot of “ah-ha,” moments that have really resonated.
#3 – I played and have an extreme passion for sports, so exercise and increasing endorphins is a huge priority of mine. I take Pilates classes 5x a week. I also go for long walks with my dog (which is when I listen to podcasts).
#4 – I make time for a massage or a facial 1x a month (I mean why not)!
#5 – I journal my thoughts, I write down goals, I devise plans to achieve those goals. Putting pen to paper is relaxing for me, even if it is just creating a to-do list. It gives me a sense of calm that I have a plan.
#6 – I joined PostGlo because #1 I feel lucky, they picked me as their intern and I hope to be a great teammate and asset, but #2 - this felt like a place to work that offered an incredible two-way street. I have different experience and will (hopefully) meet their needs as their intern and in turn, I am being guided by not one, but two registered dietitians! I found a “side-gig” that betters my life as well! I get to indirectly learn ways to care for my own family better – whether that is nutrition, wellness, movement, mindfulness, etc. all while working at PostGlo.
I have other items I wish to dabble in one day (mediation, reading more, establishing a yoga practice, volunteer work), however this is a marathon, not a sprint and again, I believe, I must take my time.
“The most important relationship we have is with ourselves.” I love this quote and hope to one day be able to say my relationship with myself SHINES.