Happy October, Happy Fall, and Happy new self-care idea month. I’m 100% a summer person but I really enjoy fall because I like the clothes, colors, and the weather is not unbearably cold yet. I’ve been working from home, and after work this past Friday I had the urge to make a trip to Starbucks to sit and read one one of my books. I’ve seen people do it before but I’ve never personally done it myself. While reading an sipping my latte I thought about this blog, the atmosphere and space I was in, and I thought about the ideas I wanted to talk about for this month’s self-care focus. I’ve mentioned in a previous blog that I define these self-care terms very literally, meaning, when I hear the word “space” I literally think about the space I am in. But definitions can expand far beyond our own interpretation. One of the ideas that came up for me with space self-care was, leaving your current space to engage in self-care elsewhere. For example, my desire to leave my house to go read at Starbucks with a latte was my form of self-care, but it’s also space self-care because I was in an environment that most people would go to, to read, work, write a paper, have a chat, etc.
I also think I’ve presented ideas through this year that fall into this self-care category. Some examples of these ideas are: decluttering your closet or organizing your workspace, deleting old contacts and memes from your phone and cleaning or doing laundry. Sounds a lot like chores but there are people who can’t relax unless they are in a clean space (my mother is one of those people). This week my goal is to try and present some space self-care ideas that are unlike the ones I mentioned in this paragraph. I encourage you to keep an open mind because these ideas may not be typical self-care options.
CHANGE OF SCENERY This is similar to my trip to Starbucks and this is a great idea for anyone who works from home. If you’ve been spending most of your time at home after your work day ends, make plans to get out of the house even if it’s just for a walk. I love my place but a change of scenery always does me good. Sometimes I’ll work from a different space if I feel like I’ve spent way too much time in the house. Changing my scenery has done wonders for my productivity level when working from home.
A BIGGER PLACE This option will not be for everyone but if you’ve been considering upgrading you apartment or purchasing a new home, consider this a sign. I do not like clutter, it overwhelms me and triggers my anxiety. If you have these same qualms and have been considering upgrading to a bigger place, start the process to make the change. I’m almost certain this change will lessen your stress levels and feel like relief.
WRITING Or you can call this journaling or a brain dump. Our physical space is not the only space in our lives that needs clearing. Sometimes we have a lot on our minds or a bunch of ideas that we need to let out to help clear the space in our heads. Journaling has been over used as a self-care idea on this blog and on many others but writing doesn’t have to mean journaling. You can write if you’re a writer or you can make a list and jot down ideas.
SOLO PICNIC Or you can do this with friends. This is also the best time of year to go on a picnic. Find a big open park or grassy area and enjoy the scenery and all that nature has to offer. I would suggest staying off your phone or any other electronic device you may have.
A LONG DRIVE If you drive, go for a long drive in a country area with no purpose, Just you, your music (or podcast), and your thoughts.
SEPARATE YOURSELF If you live in a house with others (family or roommates) spend some time in a different room by yourself for awhile, make it your bath time. Baths are a form of self-care but having that time to yourself away from everyone is giving you and them some space.
ALONE TIME This is similar to the above but when I came up with this idea I had relationships in mind (especially if you don’t live with each other). If you usually spend A LOT of time with each other, take a day or a weekend off (especially if you spend every weekend together). I think it’s healthy to spend time with yourself away from your relationship because outside of being a couple, you are still an individual and you need some you time too.
Self-Care on the go are essentially bite size versions of my self-care challenges. It’s open to anyone but it’s specifically created for moms and other working women; who may not have time to participate in all (or any) of the challenges that I provide weekly because of their mommy duties or busy work schedule. You can access the infographic HERE. I’ve been posting them every Sunday since the beginning of the year and I really enjoy creating them. If you’re one of my readers who participate in, or enjoy these options because you find them convenient, leave a comment and let me know what you like about them or what you think I should change. Thanks for going on this self-care journey again with me this week.
By the way, if you’re interested, my Newsletter and Self-Care Accountability Worksheet is now available. The worksheet will act as a supplement to my daily self-care challenges. The purpose is to help you stay on track with your daily self-care routines. If you’re interested in receiving these items weekly, email me at tam33ks@yahoo.com. The self-care worksheet is FREE, but will only be available to my Newsletter subscribers. I will NOT spam you, I will only email once per week.
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