By Lindsey Danisch, Registered Social Worker
With fall upon us and the busy holiday season right around the corner, it’s easy to put your self-care routines aside to focus on everyone else’s needs. Between holiday parties, hosting friends and family, birthday parties, play dates, and school/work functions, your schedule is maxed out!
So, I write to remind you to give yourself the gift of continued self-care this fall. The same way you schedule meetings, appointments, dates, and car maintenance, you need to schedule in time for your physical and mental health. I know it might feel like it’s “just one more thing” in your schedule, but believe me, it’s worth it (and your body and mind will thank you).
It’s also an important time of year to both delegate and practice the art of saying “no” to requests. Perhaps your partner can do the Halloween costume shopping or buy ready-made treats, decline a social function, or do not offer to host something if you don’t want to.
Self-care brainstorm: weekly bath, book club, dinner with a friend, massage, yoga, continue to go to the gym, walk your dog, indoor swimming, knit, stretch, meditate, bake something yummy, lift weights, acupuncture or make a therapy appointment. Go head and pull out your calendar- and plug in some self-care for the month! I promise, you won’t regret it.
