An epic list of self care ideas, continued…

I have the luxury of having 5 siblings. Because of that, we are able to do the ‘divide and conquer’ approach to caring for my mom who just turned 90. She is able to do many things independently, but other things are beginning to be beyond her ability. So my sister does the shopping. My eldest brother does the taxes and financials. Another brother manages the interactions with her current place of residence. I do the medical stuff and doctor’s appointment. Everyone calls. Each takes turn visiting, when they are able. We are able to do quite a bit for mom without overloading any of us beyond the point of burnout. Not everyone has that luxury. When you don’t, self care becomes an essential element to discipleship.

Whether it is the commandment to honor father and moth-er, or the invitation to ‘be fishers of (wo)men”, we are not running a sprint, but a marathon. There is a gospel imperative to choose what is necessary to keep ‘running the race’, caring for the elderly parent, being committed to the parish, loving your spouse and children. With Lent looming on the horizon, what if one element of whatever you will choose to embrace/sacrifice, would involve “just one thing” to keep you balanced on your road to Calvary? Here are a few final ideas from the pamphlet Just One Thing.
Be a tourist in your own town – check out an art exhibit, market, festival, café or shop.
Plan an outing for coffee and conversation with your best friend.
Start a gratitude journal
Treat yourself to new sheets or towels.
Go to the park and see how high you can swing. (I dare you to jump off mid air like you did at 8!)
Get together with friends for a guys or gals night out on a bi-monthly basis.
Create something with your hands.
Go to a florist shop or farmers market and buy your favorite flowers to fill up your home.
Take an entire day off.
Cook ‘breakfast for dinner’ one day a month.
Try out tai-chi or yoga for one class. Feel no pressure to go back, just enjoy the experience.
Take an afternoon nap.
Go on a date night with your spouse.
Once a day, compliment someone.
Once an hour, say a prayer of thanksgiving, stretch and SMILE.

Holistic Wellness is the practice of self care that enables you to prayerfully, joyfully and completely.