How do you nuture yourself?

[homemaker carol]

Starting on May 9 I'll be taking a 8 week course on nurturing ourselves. I can't wait. Its through the addictions foundation and I'm really looking forward to learning more about myself and ways to nurture me.

So how do you nuture yourself? Do you take time every day, once a week or.... Is it something you find easy to do?

[Sara]

I hope you'll share with me how the course goes. :)

As for me, well I am not the most femmy of women when it comes to "pampering". I do make a point of taking time for myself though. I usually head out on my own on Saturday afternoon for a few hours. I enjoy the thrift store, library, bookstores, garage sales, and that sort of thing.

I work on the sites, read, and write too. I feel good when I'm creating or exploring I guess. Gabe is great about taking the kids, so I have some time to myself.

Here's a list I found of some ideas to nurture yourself:
Suggestions for ways to nurture yourself

http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Reading
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Restoring antiques/carpentry
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Kicking leaves
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to a concert
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Shopping
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Walking on the beach
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Doing craft work
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Travelling
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Crying
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Laughing
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to the theatre
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Asking for a cuddle
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going on a trip to a fun fair
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Writing to friends or writing poems
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Walking the dog
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Being in the country
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Playing a musical instrument
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Giving a party
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Playing a sport
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Painting, drawing
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Swimming
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having a facial, make-up etc.
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Dancing
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to a restaurant
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Wearing something that feels good
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Taking regular moderate exercise
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having takeaway food, so you don't need to cook
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Being with children
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Taking a course for pleasure
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Pursuing hobbies
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Being with animals
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Rearranging your room
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Walking barefoot
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Making presents for friends
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Redecorating your house
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Skinny dipping
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Singing
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Gardening
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to the library
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Taking a long bath
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Sitting in the sun
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Watching TV or a good movie
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Baking/cooking a supply of food
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Just sitting and thinking outside
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Taking a holiday
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Being with friends
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to the zoo
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Staying at home
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having a rest during the day
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to a park or gardens
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Getting enough sleep
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Doing your hair
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having a glass of good wine
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Being around positive people
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Playing some music
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Listening to the radio
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having a massage
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Learning a language
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Inviting friends over
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Doing a yoga or tai chi class
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Watching people
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Giving gifts
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Meditating
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Window shopping
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Tidying your wardrobe
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Nurturing your spirit
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Looking through magazines
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Cleaning your shoes
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Emailing a friend
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going for a drive
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Buying food you like
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Buying a poster or picture you like
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having the children minded to give yourself some leisure time
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Doing a course
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to the museum or art gallery
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Planning something good for the future
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Solving a crossword, puzzle etc.
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Having a shower
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to bed early
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Completing a task
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Ringing a friend
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going camping, bush walking
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Playing cards
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Going to the movies
http://www.asca.org.au/gfx/purplearrowright.jpg Sleeping in late.


source: http://www.asca.org.au/

[DaisyLady]

Those are great ideas. Many of them I do subconsciously and never really considered that I was nurturing myself. When the world gets to be too much for me, I lock myself in my bedroom with a romance novel and some chocolate. Usually feeling much better after that.

[Tina]

This is something I have been lacking in lately and I feel it. When I don't spend any time nurturing myself I'm not giving my best to my family. I'm the thermostat in the home and if I'm cranky the chances are the rest of my family will be too.

I hope you share somethings you learn in class cj.

[Mommy2Five]

This is something I have been lacking in lately and I feel it. When I don't spend any time nurturing myself I'm not giving my best to my family. I'm the thermostat in the home and if I'm cranky the chances are the rest of my family will be too.

I hope you share somethings you learn in class cj.


Very well said Tina! It took me a while to figure that out, but now that I have things seem to run alot smoother :D

*I like to read in the bathtub on Sunday evenings ;)
*I also like to paint my toenails and fingernail a few nights a week when the children are asleep.
*I like to excersize. Even though the children are usually with me it's something I do for myself.
*I get my computer time in daily! :D ;)

That sure sounds like an interesting course CJ! Make sure to share what you learn with us!

[heartathome]

Well, I am working on this one! When I change the sheets on the bed, I spray them with AVON aromatherapy spray. It has lilac in it and smells wonderful. I make time for my crafts. I also make time to read every night. I stick my ear plugs in and read. I use scented candles, and get flowers when I can afford them.

[MandiDawn]

he he, I have no children so my life is all about me!!! Not really, but wouldn't that be nice . . . I do read quite a bit, go shopping, rent movies whenever I feel like it. BF works afternoons so I am home alone all thru the week, so if I don't feel like doing anything, I don't.

[Sara]

Well, I am working on this one! When I change the sheets on the bed, I spray them with AVON aromatherapy spray. It has lilac in it and smells wonderful. I make time for my crafts. I also make time to read every night. I stick my ear plugs in and read. I use scented candles, and get flowers when I can afford them.

It's funny you mentioned this. I had a nice linen spray and am going to get some more. It's funny how that little something extra made me feel good. :)

[homemaker carol]

Cheryl I do put lavendar drops on my pillow each night before I go to bed.

I've also taken to reading late into the night when there is no one up but me. I love the quiet and its so relaxing.

This afternoon I took time to work in the flowerbeds. Although work, gardening nurtures my soul like quilting does. It just feels so good to be in the garden.

[Emerald_Mommy]

I like to read. I usually keep 2 or 3 different books going.

I like Ghiardelli (sp?) hot chocolate and I keep a stash that's just for me

I have several favorite websites I like to browse.

This is going to sound childish but I have a collection of paper dolls I like to look at (don't call it 'playing!) and write stories about sometimes. Even my dh isn't real sure about that but I find it soothing. :)

[homemaker carol]

I don't find paper dolls silly at all. I know my grown ups who color the day away with crayons and coloring books. If its nurturing and makes you feel good, thats wonderful.

[baxjul]

I go out to dinner with my girlfriend once a month. I also always light candles and read in the evening. Sometimes dd and I take what she calls "beauty baths". We soak in the tub, then put lotion all over, put on pajamas and socks, and eat ice cream. We usually do this on Sun. evenings, it's our weekend ritual.

[Jerrie K]

Paper dolls are wonderful! My mom gave me a subscription to Mary Englebreit's magazine and I save all the paper dolls. I love them. When I was little I had a little trunk full of all different kinds and I played with them for hours. Relatives saved their Sears, Penneys, and Montgomery Ward catalogs for me and I also cut out paper dolls from these, complete with clothes, housewares, and toys for the little ones. My friend and I would hole up in the guest bedroom and have every surface covered with our little paper families :) I also color. My neighbor and I have quite a collection of old-style coloring books and crayons and we go on binges where we color several times a week. Reading is probably the best thing I do to pamper myself, though. That and hopping on back of dh's motorcycle. He takes back roads and I get to look at houses and landscaping to my hearts content.

[MandiDawn]

As much as I have a totally irrational fear of motorcycles - this sounds like heaven!!

That and hopping on back of dh's motorcycle. He takes back roads and I get to look at houses and landscaping to my hearts content

[debbiepittman]

I see some movies alone while hubby keeps the kids.

I also use incense and scented candles.

I penpal.

Try to eat well.

Try to sleep well.

Debbie

[jlxian]

This is something I have been lacking in lately and I feel it. When I don't spend any time nurturing myself I'm not giving my best to my family. I'm the thermostat in the home and if I'm cranky the chances are the rest of my family will be too.

I hope you share somethings you learn in class cj.

You are so right, Tina! I guess I knew this deep down (about being the family thermostat), but hadn't acknowledged it.

For me, I don't do enough indulgences. At the advice of a beloved therapist a few years ago, I have lunch at a NICE place each week with a good friend. We both enjoy it, and look forward to it. If we have to miss a week for some reason, it makes things hard!

At home, I've indulged myself with food for too long and have to break that habit. So I'm trying to find other avenues. I'll look forward to what you can share with us about the seminar.

I guess one thing I do to indulge myself is to watch the BBCA home improvement type shows. I love several of them, -- House Doctor, Changing Rooms, House Invaders, Ground Force, as well as Cash in the Attic -- to name a few. Finding a chunk of time to watch any or some of these is a luxury type thing for me.

[DaisyLady]

I love paper dolls and colouring! They are so relaxing. Especially when I use the ones that are just for me! No sharing :D

I don't know about the rest of you, but almost as important as nurturing myself is remembering to take time to nurture me and dh as a couple. Our favourite treat is to rent a movie (usually a silly one or funny one) during the day while the kids are at school. We make popcorn, close the blinds and watch the movie in our pj's! It feels so good to do nothing in the middle of the day when the rest of the world is rushing around in chaos :)

[Mamawolf]

LOL, I'm easy... A nice hot shower, then relaxing in bed with a good book or a good romantic movie.

[heartathome]

I love paper dolls and colouring! They are so relaxing. Especially when I use the ones that are just for me! No sharing :D



I love to color! http://www.doverpublishing.com has some awesome coloring books. The pictures are detailed. For example, I got one on Carousel Horses. It not only has the pictures to color, it describes why the horse is decorated the way it is and where it would be placed on the Carousel. There are tons of books there as well as free coloring sheets. :D

[Kimberlina]

Baths, books, and gardening!

[Englishlady]

I am a typical Brit, repressed & stiff upper lip & all that LOL! :D

I wish we were a bit more "touchy feely" maybe that's why I love getting my hands on animals & hugging 'em & kissing 'em ( whether they like it or not!!!)

It is fortunate that my beloved Dog Suzy LOVES to be hugged and kissed :D


I tend to be a "giver" and am very surprised and shocked if anyone actually puts themsleves out for me!

That is because of my life experiences I guess, but I do try to think nice things about myself and I am more forgiving of my weaknesses than I used to be.........

I LOVE to read, & do so when we get to go to our Caravan by the sea at the weekends, ( not all weekends sadly :( )

I am very fortunate than my wonderful Hubby realises & appreciates that I have been cooking and cleaning all week, & so he makes my meals and encourages me to chill out with my book or tells me to sit down & cut out my napkin motifs ( my latest passion!)

I think I he nurtures me in a way I can't do for myself.......I like to think I am a nice person, but he actually BELIEVES it :)

[jlxian]

What a guy! He is a keeper, for sure.

I'm not much of a self-nurturer, I'm afraid -- except with food, which I must put an end to.

I love to read also, and when I've had a bad day I just go to bed early and read.

[Telephus44]

I take a special "me time" on Sunday and do a day at the spa (in my own home). I give myself a manicure and use a facial mask, sometime I'll go all out and do a full facial or a pedicure. It really helps me focus on myself and get ready for the upcoming week.

I also light a candle and read a bit before I go to bed every night.

I also bake something every weekend - kind of like getting back in touch with myself as a homemaker - sometimes its bread, sometimes its cookies or brownies.

[Naderbug]

I spend time with my best friend. Usually if I'm having a rough day, he knows about it already before I even get home and catch him online to tell him about it. Then we talk it out or go get a coffee. He's a wonderful listener and very compassionate.

Or I spend time cuddling with DH. We snuggle up all cozy and he'll tell me stories or we'll watch a show on the computer.

Something I'm going to start doing, though, is doing little cross stitches. I have a wonderful big book of these tiny little cross stitch patterns, and I'm thinking that if I do them in the evenings, I'll feel like I have something accomplished. :D

Bright Blessings!
Nada