Friday, September 24, 2010

A Self-Care Buffer Zone

Your Body

  • Schedule a check-up.
  • Do something active to increase your flexibility, stamina, or strength.
  • Take a hot bath or long shower to relax and unwind.
  • Give yourself a manicure, pedicure, or facial.
  • Treat yourself to a massage or a new hairstyle.
  • Wear clothes that are attractive, comfortable, and fit your current size and shape.
  • Clear clutter and create a pleasant space that helps you feel happy and calm.
  • Plant a garden and grow fresh vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
  • Spend time in nature walking, hiking, or sitting.
  • Download 101 Things to Do Besides Eat

Your Mind

  • Challenge yourself to think positively and powerfully.
  • Give your brain a map to follow by setting inspiring goals.
  • Learn a new skill or language.
  • Do brainteasers and play challenging games.
  • Be creative; experiment with art, crafts, and hobbies.
  • Listen to music, sing, or play an instrument.
  • Take classes online or at your local community center or college.
  • Participate in stimulating discussion groups (like this one!).
  • Travel—or explore areas close to home like museums.

Your Heart

  • Accept yourself as you are right now.
  • Embrace the full spectrum of emotions for the depth and richness they bring to your life.
  • Spend quality time with your family and friends.
  • Schedule a date night to build intimacy with your partner.
  • Identify your feelings by writing in a journal or talking with a trusted friend or counselor.
  • Set appropriate boundaries for healthier relationships.
  • Assert yourself to let others know how you feel, what you think, and what you need. Accept that beyond that, you can’t control what other people think, feel, or do.
  • While it’s not possible or even desirable to eliminate stress, learn to manage it.
  • Practice forgiveness. Harboring anger and hurt is harmful and eats up precious emotional energy.
  • Be vulnerable. This deepens intimacy and frees you from the need to be perfect.
  • Seek coaching, counseling, or therapy if needed for emotional support and to build coping skills.

Your Spirit

  • Practice mindfulness. Be fully present in whatever you’re doing—eating, talking, working, playing—to experience pleasure and meaning.
  • Renew and restore yourself through prayer and meditation.
  • Schedule time for your inner work. Know yourself, your values, and your purpose.
  • See your problems as opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Reclaim peace and joy even as you face challenges.
  • Look for the good in others; it’s there somewhere, just waiting to be nurtured.
  • Volunteer and give back to your community by helping others.
  • Write down all you are grateful for.
  • Practice kindness without any expectation of receiving something in return.

Remember, the purpose of eating is to fuel your healthy, balanced, fulfilling life.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

My 5 year anniversary of no smoking!!!



Your Quit Date is: Friday, September 16, 2005 at 4:30:00 PM
Test Time Smoke-Free: 1825 days, 10 hours, 19 minutes and 32 seconds
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 36509
Lifetime Saved: 9 months, 8 days, 21 hours
Money Saved: $10,426.46

Saturday, September 11, 2010