I am truly sorry for not posting in over a month! Things have been really busy around here. Mr. RCGG and I have exciting news to share, but I”l write my own post about that! Today I’d like to share a post from a friend of mine!

Bonnie and I recently met in one of my favorite blogging Facebook groups, Shield Sisters Sanctuary. We have had a great time getting to know each other and I’m so glad that she was able to help me out during this busy time.

We may hear it all the time, but self-care is super important for our well being and health. We can’t pour from an empty cup, so if we want to be able to take care of other people and tasks, then we need to put in the time to take care of ourselves as well.

Fitting in self-care is always good in thought, and much easier said than done. In the busy lives we lead, it may seem almost impossible to fit in any time for ourselves. How do you find the time, how do you find the routine that works, and what do you even do for self-care?

When it comes to finding the time for self-care, that is really up to you. If there is a time of day that is “lighter” or less intense than another, that would be a great place to start. For me personally, I need a little self-care in the morning, but most of it is in the evening after the kids are in bed.

As you work on creating the habit of self-care, you will slip into a routine of sorts. That doesn’t mean that it will always be easy to fit it in, but it will come more naturally and without as much effort.

Things you can do daily:

• Write in a journal or blog
• Read a book you find intriguing, whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or something else
• Listen to music, find something relaxing or upbeat to listen to and maybe even dance and sing you stress away
• Take a walk
• Play and be silly, with kids or pets in your life
• Hot shower/bath
• Watch a comedy
• Think about, or even write down, what you like about yourself- inside and out
• Think about positive things that have happened today and start focusing your attention on those
• Remind yourself that you are worth it and that you are beautiful
• Eat nutritious foods
• Drink plenty of water

Things that you can do often:

• Call a friend to just chat or to talk things out
• Sit down and color, in a kid or an adult coloring book
• Pamper yourself with a movie, manicure or pedicure, haircut, hike, or visiting a museum
• Celebrate all of your victories

Things that you can do occasionally (or more often):

• Take time off of work, either from your job if you can, or from housework and everyday tasks
• Go on vacation
• Attend social events or groups that you are interested in
• Buy yourself something nice, just because
• Reward yourself for your hard work

Remember that even something small or short-lasting can do you a world of good. So, fit in five minutes here and five minutes there. It all adds up!

Author: Bonnie McConaughy writes articles for businesses that tailor to their clients’ needs. Her articles have appeared on Quill, Unique Gifter, and Beyond Your Blog, among others. She has a strong passion for blogging, entrepreneur, health and wellness, and personal development topics. You can find her at www.bmcconaughy.weebly.com.