I push self-care a lot in the #PPDChat world. Why? Because it was one of the biggest things that helped me and also because as mothers, we often forget to mother the most important person in our lives -ourselves.

This week’s #PPDChat focused on self-care, angling toward finding the positive, even in the dark.

There is a misconception held by many that self-care has to be something massive and complicated. Wanna know the truth?

Self-care is actually pretty simple. If done right, you can sprinkle it throughout your daily life.

Here are three ways you can incorporate some sprinkles of self-care into your life, starting today:

#listof3 – List three things for which you are grateful every morning, before your feet hit the floor. Tweet it, keep a journal by your bed, do it in your head. Although I would recommend keeping a physical copy of it so you can look back at it. Then, in the evening, before you go to sleep, list three things which made you happy, smile, or laugh. The purpose? To refocus your energy toward a positive end instead of a frustrated or negative energy. Keeping a physical copy gives you something to read through on the tough days.

Five Senses: Get a pen and a piece of paper. Yep, no computer or digital for this one. Write a list of all five senses, leaving five spaces under each. Then, in each of those spaces under your senses, list five of your favourite things. Keep at least one of those five things in your home at all times. Boom. Emergency self-care kit you can sprinkle throughout your day or grab to take into your blanket fort on the REALLY tough days.

10 minutes/day rule: Dedicate a minimum of 10 minutes to yourself and only to yourself every day. If you can manage more, great. But 10 minutes is a realistic short period of time that will make a difference. Plan to do something for yourself during these 10 minutes – make it as elaborate or as simple as you want. Make a nice cup of tea. Sit outside and drink it. Go to a coffee shop and get your favourite drink and go to the park. Go for a 10 minute power walk. Whatever fills your pitcher – do it for 10 minutes every day. You’re worth it.

Will these make a difference overnight? Probably not. But after time, you’ll realize they are making a difference and these things will be part of your daily routine.

We can’t fill the pitcher of those around us if our own is woefully empty. Go forth and fill yours.

What will you do for yourself today?

photo source: Unsplash