self-care resolutions chart

December 12, 2012

So after I wrote this post last week about how far my reality falls from my ideal in the area of self-care, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. My original intention was to incorporate these things into my monthly goals for next year, but I was inspired so I decided to do something about it right away.

Most of the changes I needed to make were small and all I really needed to do was get them incorporated into my routine. To that end, I made myself a self-care resolutions chart.

Right now I have it hung on a clipboard that’s on our refrigerator, and I glace at it a few times a day to make sure I’m not forgetting anything. I put check marks where I’ve completed a task and x’s when I don’t. I know I won’t have to keep using this forever, but until it becomes habit I am very motivated to fill it out.

There are three things on the list that are big changes. Daily Bible study, family dinner, and exercise. So far I have made the first two happen (although it’s only been half a week). In order to have some spiritual alone time I’ve had to move my wake-up time back thirty minutes. It’s tough to wake up at 4:30 but I go to bed super early so I don’t notice the difference after I’ve had my coffee, and it’s a much better way to start the day. (More about this soon.)

As for family dinner, it’s really just a matter of planning ahead. Over the weekend I picked out four meals that are extremely quick and easy to make and we did the grocery shopping. If I leave work on time I get home anywhere from 5 to 5:30 and I’m cooking by 6, we eat by 6:30. If a meal takes longer than thirty minutes to make it has to get saved for the weekend because it’s just not happening after work.

The last big change is exercise, and truly right now I’m stumped as to how on earth I’m going to make this a regular thing. I already wake up at 4:30, and after dinner it’s time to shower and get ready for bed. I go to sleep at the same time as Meredith which is around 8 or 8:30. I could do some kind of workout on the weekend, but once a week isn’t optimal (although I know it’s better than nothing). It’s sad but this might have to be saved for when I’m at a different point in my life.

Anyway, the resolutions chart has been working for me so I wanted to make it available to you if you think it’s something you could use. Find it here on Google Docs, then just save a copy and edit away. I don’t have a reward system in place at the moment (nerd alert: the feeling of accomplishment & how much better I feel about myself is reward enough for me) but you could totally do that.

Note: I have a post coming about how I use essential oils for health. Also note that I am not currently eating all that healthy but I haven’t mentally worked up to that change yet so it’s still to come. :)

From Sarah:

I’m not sure what your work situation is, but I really love working out on my lunch break. If you’re a WAHM/SAHM, could you fit in a workout during your daughter’s nap? There is a lot you can do with just your bodyweight or a pair fo dumbbells. Check out fithealthymoms dot com for some good workouts.

From kapachino:

I’m a nurse so unfortunately I barely get time for a lunch break most days. :) Exercising at work just isn’t an option. Thanks for the link though, I’ll check it out!

From Katy:

I wonder if you could try to exercise in the morning two days per week, perhaps even shortening your devotional time by 20 minutes just to get in a quick jog or yoga session. Try to consider that a spiritual exercise. It most certainly is for me. There is so much joy in going for a run, riding my bike or going to my spin class (taught by a good friend). This year was the year of finally getting healthy, and now I notice a difference in my outlook on life when I’m exercising vs. when not. And there’s a lot of gratitude as well as I run, ride or whatever. I’ve come to grips with the reality that daily Bible study is the ideal but not always possible. It needs to be a priority, but so does stewarding my body and time with my husband. So, I’ve been reading a few times a week and trying to take note of things I notice in Scripture. I’m taking it a chapter at a time and I keep a little journal by my bed (I read at night) to take note of things I notice about specific verses and what those little tidbits teach me about Christ. It’s quite freeing actually. And if I don’t read for a few days, I pick it back up and study again and try not to feel guilty about it.

That’s a good idea that I’ll have to consider. The workout would have to be short (because sometimes my Bible study ends up being only 10-15 minutes long if Meredith wakes up) but if I do a couple short workouts during the week and then a longer one on the weekend I’d meet my goal!

From lauren w:

This is amazingly nerdy and I love it.

From Nora:

Awesome idea! I love it!!! I definitely might have to borrow this and repurpose it for myself. I can’t wait to learn more about the essential oils and how you use them as I’m fascinated by that kind of thing.

As for exercising: not sure how nice your weather is during the winter but maybe running around with M in the backyard for 10 minutes a day can count as exercise? Or a family walk a few times a week when dinner is super simple? Just thoughts as those were things that we included and tried to make happen when we have my bonus midglets. Tired them out too :)

From Sara:

You could consider doing some exercise moves here and there throughout the day. For example if you’re cooking something like a pasta dish, you could do some legs workout in the kitchen such as squats/lunges/calf raises. If you’re watching a show (if you ever do), you could use light dumbbells to do some flys, curls, and so on. You get the idea!

I’ve thought about that – I know it can be effective but the idea is so unappealing to me for some reason! Maybe because it’s so inconsistent. It might end up being the way to go out of necessity though.