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It’s time to take care of you!
Hey there, fabulous midlifers! How often do you think about self care? I get it – life in your 50s and beyond can be a whirlwind. There are lots of responsibilities, juggling a career, family, and everything in between. But let’s not forget the most crucial person in this equation: YOU!
No, we’re not talking about elaborate spa days or extravagant vacations (although those are fantastic!). We’re all about the little, everyday practices that can make a big difference in your well-being.
So, whether it’s finding zen in a cup of tea, stealing a few quiet moments with a good book, or just reminding yourself that it’s okay to take a breather… Self-care is your secret weapon to thriving in this fabulous midlife journey. Let’s explore it together!
I know the words “self care’ can be a little trendy. But there is truth in them…(I know you’ve heard it before!) if you don’t take care of yourself then you can’t show up as the woman that you want to be.
My Turning Point
A few years ago I had a friend who was encouraging a group of women from my church to sign up for a sprint triathlon. Now…you have to understand that I am not a swimmer, or a biker, or a runner! But…there was something that kept drawing me back to this idea. “Do it Scared,” kept repeating in my mind. I was scared…but I signed up…not really knowing if I was physically capable of even finishing it!
4 months were spent training…and hoping that I had done enough! I showed up the morning of the event with my family. I had one goal….finish the race.
The 12 mile bike portion of the race was lonely…I felt like I was the only one still out there. I was feeling pretty discouraged and even thought about only doing 2 laps instead of 3!
But I finished the race…I was slow…but I did it. My 3 daughters joined me as I crossed the finish line…I was holding back some tears! It felt great. I was proud of myself for doing something hard. Showing my daughters that they could pursue activities that fulfilled them as a wife and mother felt great!
There was something about taking the time to train for that race…and doing something challenging just for me… that was exhilarating! I realized that I needed to take better care of myself so that I could show up better for those that I love!
Be Healthy…for You
That race was a turning point for me. I realized that I had not been taking care of me and it was having a negative impact on my children and my marriage. I won’t say that I have been perfect at finding time for self care since that race…but I have been working on taking time out for me!
When I say it’s time to take care of you. I’m not talking about neglecting the things that need to be done…but it’s time to stop playing the martyr! (I’m talking to myself here…because I’ve done that!)
I believe there is a time in a woman’s life when she voluntarily sacrifices her time and energy to take care of young children. I think the problem that some women have (I’m talking to myself here) is that we continue to hide behind the title of “busy mother.” We avoid developing our talents and doing things that bring us and those around us joy.
What is self care for midlife women?
I use to think self care required a lot of time and money. I thought I had to leave and go on a girl’s weekend trip….and that sounded too expensive and hard to organize!
What I have come to realize is that self care is more about the small things that I do daily or weekly to fill my cup. It’s all the little things I do to take care of my body and my soul.
Take a moment and write down (I mean it…get a piece of paper and really do it!) the things that energize you. Those things that make you feel happy. Make sure you have several things on your list that are simple and don’t cost any money. How often are you doing any of these things?
Little things, like a 15 minute walk, reading a chapter in a book, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea before I go to bed, make a big difference for me in terms of making me feel happy and fulfilled. These are the self care activities that are sustainable.
I know how easy it is to get caught up in the mundane and routine tasks of homemaking and motherhood. As women, we have to take the imitative to take care of ourselves. I’ve stopped at the sushi bar in the grocery store more than once while I’ve been shopping to get myself a treat!
What does self care look like for me?
- Planning. When I have a plan for all the things I need to do as a mom…I’m also able to plan when I’m going to have time to do those things that energize and refresh me. Here is my post on how I set 10, 5, and 1 year goals and plans.
- Midlife Mission Statement. When I’m reading my mission statement everyday it is so much easier for me to say no to those things I know won’t help me to be happy and to focus on those activities that are aligned with my priorities.
- Staying Healthy. When I feel better…I do better. For me that means getting some exercise, drinking my water, eating enough fruits & veggies and getting enough sleep!
- Connection. I need to spend some time building relationships with my kids and my husband…I feel off when my relationships aren’t stable (yes…even my teenagers who are often not so easy to connect with!)
Make it Happen!
- Did you make that list of things that energize you? Do it! Make sure you have some simple things that you can do during your busy days.
- Post that list where you can see it…inside your closet, in your planner, or on your wall by your bed. Put it someplace you will see these self care activities.
- Sign up for my “Use-It” Letter…get ideas each week that are meant to help make your life easier and more fulfilling as a midlife woman!