I had a speaking event this week.
Afterwards, I walked to my car and got inside. Fifteen minutes later, I was still sitting behind the wheel. Still in the parking lot, just sitting. The talk went well, but as soon as I stepped outside the rest of my energy drained out of me.
At first, I took this as proof that I’m an introvert, although the personality tests are inconclusive.
Later, I realized that taking that brief and unplanned pause was a necessary act of self-care. Intuitively and almost involuntarily, I’d stopped to recharge my internal battery before moving on with my day.
Self-care isn’t sexy, and it’s also not a luxury. It’s critical to our well-being. (Just speaking from experience here). Sometimes I don’t know how depleted I am until I find myself sitting in a parking lot and staring out the car window in the middle of the afternoon.
Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate, expensive, time consuming, or complicated. This week’s newsletter is a collective reminder to make/take/grab/steal time for yourself as often as you can.
Here’s a short list of ideas that take 15 minutes or less:
• walk around the block
• step outside, breathe the air, look at the sky, and listen to the sounds.
• read a few pages of a book
• make a cup of coffee or tea, eat lunch, or have a snack. Don’t check email or scroll your phone. Savor it.
• turn off the radio while driving so you can hear the sound of your own thoughts.
• wherever you are, stop what you’re doing, set a timer for 5-10 minutes, and just sit.
What simple acts of self-care would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments.
Well this is exciting:
I’ve been nominated for Best Local Author by the Charleston City Paper. Please cast your vote!
Upcoming Events:
I have 3 more dates in my book talk series hosted by the Charleston County Library:
• Thursday, March 14 @ 4 p.m. - Edisto Library
• Tuesday, March 19 @ 6 p.m. – Wando Mount Pleasant Library
• Saturday, April 27 @ 2 p.m. – Baxter-Patrick James Island Library
I’m Angie Mizzell, the author of the coming-of-age memoir “Girl in the Spotlight”. Thank you for reading my weekly newsletter “Hello Friday”. I’m glad you’re here.
My website
Great article! I have been learning to self- care the last several months. I like to sit or lie down and listen to a favorite song or two or a meditation. It usually only takes 15 or 20 minutes but it's worth the time. 😄
I love that you’re talking about this, Angie. It’s so important and so often women neglect it!
I am treating myself with tender loving care these days, taking time in the morning to drink coffee in bed and read; give myself a mini facial when I wash my face and a mini massage when I put hand lotion on; having a cup of tea and a cookie in the afternoon.
I love to light a candle at dusk and listen to mellow music while I make dinner. And ten minutes of quiet meditation each day does wonders for my anxiety.
There are so many little ways to take care of yourself that you fit right into your daily routines!