My self-care is always changing, and like many others, I don’t always follow through with my plan. Today, I publicly post my new intentions for this next semester.
DRINK 64 OZ OF WATER EVERY DAY
I keep trying to drink more water, but I get so busy… I forget. Since I began graduate school, I am almost always tired. Even if I sleep well... still tired. My suspicion is that I just need more water. My school gave me a 32 oz water bottle. All I have to do is drink two per day.
2. BUY TWO DIFFERENT VEGETABLES AND TWO DIFFERENT FRUITS EACH WEEK
I want to incorporate healthier foods into my diet. I’ve been keeping my meals pretty simple (chicken and rice, meat and potatoes, chili, pasta). I need more fruits and veggies! Two of each seems attainable for me. (See your doctor for your personal diet advice. This is just my baby step plan).
3. 30 MINUTES OF SCREEN FREE TIME BEFORE BED
Sleep has been difficult for me since August 2019. I want to give myself time to wash my fash, put on night time face cream, maybe pick my outfit for the next day, and hopefully read (a non-textbook!) before falling asleep. A consistent nighttime routine might get my mind ready for sleep.
4. UPDATE MY BUDGET ON FRIDAY MORNINGS BEFORE INTERNSHIP
With limited income, I want to make sure I stay on budget. I just put a reoccurring 30-minute time slot in my phone calendar on Friday mornings to update my budget for the past week.
5. YOGA AND STRETCHING 1X/WEEK WEIGHT LIFTING 3X/WEEK
This one is not new to me, but it really fell through last semester. I was used to working out 6-7x/week, but I was not able to maintain it this semester. I often worked out only once or not at all in a given week. It really made me sad. I feel like I can reasonably work out 4x/week. Ideally, I will make up early and workout before class and/or internship, but I have some free time midday or afternoons at least 4 times a week so this seems like a reasonable goal. I don’t want to let something that makes me feel so good fall through!
6. USE MONTHLY CALENDARS TO VISUALIZE DUE DATES
In December, I bought two small calendars. I took one home and left one at my internship. The one at home will have my school assignment due dates and events like my aunt’s 40th birthday party. The one at my internship will have fixed events written (but no client sessions.. my clients often reschedule, so I put those appointments in my phone). I will also add any deadlines like when my assessment measures or assessments are due for clients. Of course, I don’t put any identifying information on these calendars.
What do you plan to add to your self-care plan? Please comment and let me know! Follow @eagersocialworker on Instagram for post updates!