My Netflix Binge of Virgin River is NOT Self-Care

PLUS AN EXERCISE TO DETERMINE WHAT WORKS FOR YOU

We're in that weird twilight zone between Christmas and NYD when time isn't a concept, human existence remains unknown, vegetables are a distant memory, we've never moved less (yet are still full of aches), and anything sh*tty we do can just become a resolution in a matter of days.

Which means one thing here at the School of Midlife: self-care.

When I say self-care, I'm not talking about a Netflix binge (though I recently binged Virgin River and toooooootally recommend it...5 stars). I'm more of a purist about embracing practices that are restorative. Sometimes this may look like making a warming cup of tea, putting on your favorite jammies, going outside to be in nature and take in fresh air, or reading a book. It could be the batch cooking you’re doing on Sunday, or making sure you have a solid 7 hours of sleep each night this week.

When I feel distressed, self-care is often the first thing to get shortchanged. I'm sure you can relate. This is especially true as we enter into the overly ambitious phase of New Year's resolutions (that too often crash by March).

In the face of this, it helps to have a dedicated practice to slow down, restore, and recalibrate ourselves. And it's not just for when we're overwhelmed--self-care practices can keep us living in alignment with our wellbeing vision.

So I'm sharing a simple exercise for you to uncover what self-care practices you can turn to when you you realize you need to take a beat. The beauty of this exercise is that it's highly customizable--because we all live different lifestyles, priorities, and challenges.

Grab a paper and pen, and ask yourself the following questions; write down whatever comes to you.

What’s your favorite thing to do by yourself?
If you had a whole day to yourself, what would you do?
What calms you when you’re feeling frenzied?
What grounds you when you’re feeling out of control?
If you’ve had a long day at work, how do you chill?

SO WHAT: Not all self-care practices are created equally. Tune into your intuition to define what best serves you.

SAY WHAT: Coordinate with a friend to schedule a weekly calendar appointment and reminder on your phone to do your self-care practice. Share pics with your friend as proof of your commitment to yourself.

NOW WHAT: Pull this paper out the next time you feel yourself flying off the self-care rails and need a little re-centering.

Amid the weirdness of this twilight zone...and the comparisonitis of "Top 9" Instagram dreams...and undefined 2020 dreams, please remember: YOU MATTER.