Self Care Goals

It's almost the end of the week and its time I got serious about self-care.

This was on my goals list for 2019, and I think its something I really need to focus on.  I'll be honest, I've been feeling a bit burned out.  2018 was rough, both at work and at home.  I was giving so much of myself at work that by the time I got home, there was nothing left.  All I'd want to do is change into PJ's and do nothing!  I neglected to pay bills, which caused problems and neglected several other personal things.  My home life was suffering and then things began to get out of control at work.

I started feeling picked on, everything I did or didn't do was being scrutinized so as you can imagine, this started affecting me, my mood and mind.

I wish I can say things improved, but I think they've gotten worse, at work that is.  That I cannot control.  I cannot control what my boss thinks of me.  I work, work & work and do the best I can only to continue to be scrutinized and told that I'm not doing a good job.

So, the only thing I can control is myself.

My mind.

My well being.

I'm now trying to not stress.  Once I leave work, I leave it there.....never bring it home.  I'm working on keeping an open & clear mind.

This is where self-care has to be part of my life on a regular basis.

I need to take time every day to do something for me.

My early morning workouts are a start.  They are also a great stress reliever and will help me lose the weight I need to lose.

The second thing I want to add to my self-care list is reading.  I enjoy a good book and my goal is to read 2 books a month.  One will be a personal development book and the other will be a fun book.

I'm currently reading "Better Than Before - Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives" by Gretchen Rubin.

I have enjoyed it and I'm almost finished.  Then I will have to pick a second book.  

Any recommendations?

Another thing I've wanted to do for my self-care is a nice hot bath once a week.

I started out great but this past Sunday I skipped it.  I just couldn't make the time to sit and relax in a bath for an hour - too much to do.

This is what I need to catch myself doing and stop.  I should have made the time for my bath.  I'm really regretting it today!

Finally, sometimes I don't have time for any of the above or its the middle of the week and I just need to focus on myself.  The solution is to find a quiet space, close my eyes and just breathe.

Breathe and clear my mind.

I guess this is kind of like meditation which I'm dying to learn.

This will be ongoing for me.  I may have to create a checklist to remind myself to take care of myself every day.

What do you do for self-care?