5 Tips For Self Care

By | June 22, 2015
171 Comments
At 30 years of age, I’ve been all over the map as far as health goes. I have been vibrant, plump, and thriving. I have been diminished, thin, and failing. I have been pregnant and swollen. I have been post-partum and sagging.

And while there is a happy medium somewhere in between all of those states, I have come to realize that I’ll never be exactly where I want to be.

No matter how healthy I am there is always room for improvement in some way. For example, when I was “vibrant, plump, and thriving” I wanted to lose the extra ten pounds that pushed me over into plump-ville. When I was horribly sick with rheumatoid arthritis, I wanted nothing more than to go back to plump-ville and feel alive again.

Now, I’m at a place where my body is healthy and I am enjoying the process of becoming stronger. I am not plump. I am not rail-thin. I am sculpted and scarred. I like it. I hope to never go back to sickness, but there is no guarantee in this life. I’m also crossing my fingers and knocking on wood that there will be no more pregnancy in my future. But again, there is no guarantee.

So here I am, at age 30, figuring out what is necessary to feel good about myself and enjoy being healthy. I’ve come up with a short list of essentials that can travel with me in a future that is uncertain and full of various “states” of being.

My Essential Health List

1.) I need good sleep every night. This is probably a no-brainer for most people, but I have three small children and a history of insomnia. If I want quality shut-eye I have to start early in the evening by preparing my mind and body for bed. Tea, melatonin, and a devotional are my go-to’s for readying myself for sleep.

2.) I need more water and less everything else. I am a Diet Coke junkie, and a coffee addict. I’m not going to do the math, but I can easily drink WAY more of the caffeinated stuff than water. Again, if I want to accomplish my daily water goal, I have to start early in the day and be intentional about it all day long.

drink water

3.) I need to work out at least four days a week. I’m one of those people who has a lot of muscle mass. I inherited it from my dad. I probably would appreciate this genealogical trait a little more if I was a guy. I look and feel my best when I give these muscles what they need: exercise.

exercise

4.) I need to take care of my skin. I have come to terms with the fact that tanning is not for me. Even though I live in sunny SoCal, I have to deal with this alabaster white and protect it while I can. This means sunblock, large hats, and giant sunglasses.

5.) I need to be creative. Now this last one falls into a different category than the previous four, but it is just as important. I’m a creative person who thrives on projects and activity. If I am not actively working on something I get “the sads.” As in, I fight off depression. Therefore, Pinterest is part of my wellness plan.

creative

That’s my short list of self-care. I could go on into other categories but I wanted to keep it short.

And speaking of self care, Monistat® has a new line of products that extend beyond their treatment for yeast infections. I know, I know, we’re taking a detour from my list right now but BELIEVE ME, feminine care is a fact of life that we women have to be vigilant and intentional about. That’s right, MEN, you can stop reading now. Go on. Shoo. Now here’s the part we don’t want guys around for.

Head over to Monistat® to learn more about their new products that address embarrassing little facts of life. If you experience feminine odor, don’t worry you are not alone. 1 in 3 women experience occasional vaginal odor. Unlike some other feminine odor  products, Monistat™ Stay Fresh Gel helps eliminate feminine odor to restore feminine freshness for 3 days, helps maintain vaginal pH, and is fragrance-free and paraben-free. You can pick up a coupon for Monistat here Monistat® wants to help you take control of your feminine health. Tell us about the way in which you take control and care of your body for a chance to win a $100 VISA gift card plus a full size sample of Stay Fresh Gel from Monistat® Complete Care™. Here are the official rules.

I have received product from Monistat® and was compensated to write this review.

 

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3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected. If your comment relates to or describes any product or your experience with the product, do not describe or recommend any use of the product that is not recommended on the product’s packaging or labeling, such comments will be deleted.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/22/2015 – 7/22/2015

Be sure to visit the Monistat® brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

 

 

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171 thoughts on “5 Tips For Self Care”

  1. Rosanne

    I drink a concoction that has almond milk banana or other fruit and green powders that has all the important green type things like wheat grass.

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  2. Patricia Delgado

    I tweeted here-https://twitter.com/Brooklyns_mama/status/620789516966735872

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  3. Kerry

    I try to take time out during the day to go for a walk – helps with stress and gets me some exercise!

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  8. Aurelie Red

    I take care of myself by drinking water (neither alcohol nor soda), eating fresh vegetables everyday and avoiding sun.

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  12. Stephanie Phelps

    I try to take care of my body by eating right and drinking lots of water and getting in my exercise!

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  14. April V.

    I get up early every morning, not only to give myself some quiet time, but so that I can be ready and at work before I need to so that I can take advantage of the breakfast – this way I get to eat oatmeal every day and while I’m doing it I can read and relax before work.

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  16. rachel

    I exercise! I find that I just feel crappy if I don’t get some movement. I’ve tried really hard to make it a habit.

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  19. LAMusing

    Besides getting fresh air and taking vitamins, I try to listen to my body and give it what it needs.

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  22. Dorothy Hubbard

    I take care of my body by watching my meat intake and eating more grains and vegen style meals.

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  23. Jessie C.

    I take control and care of my body by exercising daily and also eating healthy.

    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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  24. thischickwins

    I try to maintaine a balance between responsible healthy behavior and the occasional indulgence or lazy day

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  25. Sharon

    Being conscientious about my overall health, including my dietary intake and getting enough sleep and exercise, is how I take care of myself.

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  26. Susan Smith

    I take control and care of my body by having yearly checkups drinking a lot of water, eating a healthy diet and walking a lot.

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  28. Henria O.

    I take control and take care of my body by making sure I take my vitamins, drink lots of water and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

    sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

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  29. Erika JM

    I drink a lot of water, and eat alot of fruit and vegetables.

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  30. Margaret Smith

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/620579029956096000

    Thanks again.

    Reply ↓
  31. angie

    I avoid toxic chemicals in my cleaners, both personal and household, in order to take care of myself, my pets, my partner, and the planet.

    Reply ↓
  33. lauren knott

    I make time for me. I get regular massages, drink lots of water and read!

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  34. Sandy Klocinski

    I reduced my intake of soft drinks, juices, and sports drinks that are full of sugar, and opt for water, milk and healthier options instead

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  35. Brittney House

    I love to keep active by working out. It gives me energy and makes me feel better.

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  36. susan smoaks

    I exercise and eat healthy to take control and care for my body. I love to feel energetic and healthy!

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  37. Tari Lawson

    I exercise regularly and eat healthy foods most of the time, limiting unhealthy foods.

    Reply ↓
  38. Laurie Emerson

    I take control and care for my body by eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.

    Reply ↓
  39. Mary Calabrese

    I have taken control by working to eliminate sodas from my life. I’m now drinking water and darned if it doesn’t taste good!

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  40. Denise S

    I try to eat lots of vegetables.

    lazybones344 at gmail dot com

    Reply ↓
  41. Margaret Smith

    I drink lots of water and try to eat veggies and fruit often. Thanks so much.

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  42. Amanda Sakovitz

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/aes529/status/623485855013990400

    Reply ↓
  43. heather s

    I eat healthier foods like fruits and veggies and less processed foods

    Reply ↓
  44. Stephanie Larison

    https://twitter.com/Stephanie64030/status/623694404981633024

    Reply ↓
  45. Leah Shumack

    I have taken control by not allowing us to eat out as much and eating more at home!

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  47. lindsay hess

    I really try and exercise 3 days per week and at least 1 of those days I make my whole family do some fun exercises together. They think they are just having fun, dont tell them that Im really keeping them healthy!!

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  48. Natalie

    I take control and care of my body by exercising every day, eating healthy meals filled with fruits and veggies and getting plenty of sleep.

    Reply ↓
  51. ANGEL JACKLYN

    2ND ENTRY https://twitter.com/kytah00/status/618998396460765184

    Reply ↓
  54. Gina M

    I take control of my health and body by maintaining a regular exercise routine.

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  56. Pam

    I take care of my body by running and being active as well as eating a healthy whole foods plant based diet.

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  58. heather

    I take control and care of my body my drinking a lot of water, eating as healthy as I can and walking a lot.

    Reply ↓
  59. Ashley C

    I keep up with dr appts and getting myself checked out!

    Reply ↓
  63. Julie Wood

    I take control and care of my body by making sure to eat a healthy diet, exercise every day, drink plenty of water, and I do yoga which really helps me stay balanced!

    Reply ↓
  65. Betty C

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/623402665163276288

    Reply ↓
  66. rachel cartucci

    https://twitter.com/RayrayCrisman/status/618396969111715845

    Reply ↓
  67. Christina

    Tweet – https://twitter.com/cmd277/status/621663892125687808

    Reply ↓
  68. Norma

    I take control by eating right, drinking lots of water and getting enough rest.

    Reply ↓
  70. Jerry Marquardt

    I take control and care of my body by remembering to take vitamins.

    Reply ↓
  71. Tabathia B

    tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/623985434801082369

    Reply ↓
  72. Diane

    I started eating yogurt for breakfast, a meal I usually skip to start my day off right!

    Reply ↓
  73. joni

    https://twitter.com/smilekisses/status/622846324728307712

    Reply ↓
  74. sarah hirsch

    i take care of my body by going on the treadmill most days

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  77. Lisa Brown

    my tweet https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/613668981912637440

    Reply ↓
  78. tina reynolds

    https://twitter.com/eaglesforjack/status/623983419911860224

    Reply ↓
  79. joe gersch

    i take care of my body trhough nutrition and exercise

    Reply ↓
  80. Stephanie V.

    drink water, eat organic and healthy!

    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply ↓
  81. Tracey byram

    I take a daily multivitamin and only drink water or unsweet iced tea.

    Reply ↓
  82. denise a

    I get lots of exercise, eat fresh vegetables and drink lots of water!

    Reply ↓
  84. angie

    I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/623920319611453440

    Reply ↓
  85. MelissaO

    I have taken control by revamping my dinnertime! Far fewer carbs and several veggies.

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  86. Betty C

    I take care of my body by not smoking and by eating a well balanced diet.

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  88. Julie Wood

    tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/613387195571789824

    Reply ↓
  89. Melinda

    We try to reserve wknds for family time, and work only on week days. Not bringing work home, helps us stay balanced

    Reply ↓
  90. rachel cartucci

    I exercise,take vitamins and try to eat well. I take control and care of my body by seeing a doctor regularly too.

    Reply ↓
  91. Lisa Voyce

    I try to eat right, exercise, drink plenty of water, taken cranberry supplements and other vitamins such as iron which target more of a woman’s needs.

    Reply ↓
  92. Stephanie Phelps

    I tweeted
    https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/620061568085164038

    Reply ↓
  93. Patricia Delgado

    I started eating a low carb diet in January and have shrunk 5 pants sizes so far!

    Reply ↓
  95. Sandy Klocinski

    https://twitter.com/Attea2d/status/620607905654538241

    Reply ↓
  96. Mami2jcn

    tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/613472618428145664

    Reply ↓
  99. Beverly Metcalf

    I drink lots of water, take vitamins, walk when I can and try to eat healthy. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply ↓
  101. Seyma Shabbir

    https://twitter.com/SeymaShabbir/status/623893977352273920

    Reply ↓
  102. Sarah C

    I take control by taking daily vitamins, exercising and drinking lots of water!

    Reply ↓
  103. Aurelie Red

    My tweet https://twitter.com/AurelieRed/status/623483274967408642

    Reply ↓
  104. Seyma Shabbir

    I take care by not smoking, not drinking alcohol and watching my sugar level.

    Reply ↓
  107. Anastasia Falling

    Tweeted ???? – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/620825789374709760

    Reply ↓
  108. Julie Hawkins

    https://mobile.twitter.com/heidiho5152/status/623593488022507520

    Reply ↓
  109. Sharyn B

    I eat my veggies, drink my water, exercise, and do most of the things I know to keep happy. Life doesn’t give you much time to do all of these things, but I do what I can.

    Reply ↓
  110. Thomas Murphy

    tweeted
    https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/623590292755775488

    Reply ↓
  112. Christina

    I have been caring for my body by trying to drink more water – I have realized that it makes a noticeable difference for me.

    Reply ↓
  114. Claudia Davis

    For me, the main thing I need to do to look over my body and health is sleep. I have issues with sleeping and now have just started getting it under control. I have a very strict sleep schedule that I must maintain otherwise everything else in my life gets affected especially my mood and anxiety.

    Reply ↓
  115. Cody Anderson

    I take control and care of my body by eating well, exercising and getting plenty of rest.

    Reply ↓
  116. Angela W

    I take control and care of my body by drinking a lot of water and going to the gym at least three times a week!

    Reply ↓
  117. Barbara M

    I take control and care of my body with good daily hygiene exercising and regular times for relaxation.

    thank you

    Reply ↓
  120. OFG

    I try to get a little fresh air and sunshine every day. Whether it’s sitting in the swing with my baby or walking to the playground with my three year old. I try to get outside and move my body at the same time.

    Reply ↓
  123. Erika

    I just turned 30, and I’m suddenly finding wrinkles and achy joints. So I’m trying to take better care with good face cream and keeping my feet up at night.

    Reply ↓
  124. Karen Drake

    I take care of myself by walking two miles a day and drinking lots of water.

    Reply ↓
  127. BusyWorkingMama

    I find time to try to exercise regularly. It is time I need to decompress and stay healthy.

    Reply ↓
  130. amy pugmire

    tweet
    https://twitter.com/1amypugmire/status/614442276362719233

    Reply ↓
  132. mickeyfan

    I had to get over myself and learn to ask my doctor the tough questions.

    Reply ↓
  136. Kelly D

    I take control and care of my body by taking vitamins and eating healthy.

    Reply ↓
  139. Andrea Watson

    Water is a key for me, too! A close second is cutting out sugar and processed food! It’s so important!

    Reply ↓
  140. D Schmidt

    I take control by watching what I eat, ensuring I have some time for myself and exercising.

    Reply ↓
  142. Madeline

    I try to exercise while watching TV shows or movies, rather than sitting there.

    Reply ↓
  143. Amy Tong

    I make sure that I take my vitamins every day and try to eat healthy. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.

    Reply ↓
  146. Anastasia Falling

    I take care and control by getting some exercise and taking my vitamins! ????

    Reply ↓
  147. Jennifer Harriman

    I’ve tried to up my exercise amount, making it fun by doing things I can include the kids on makes it easier for me to stick to

    Reply ↓
  154. Debbi Wellenstein

    I exercise every day and eat lots of fruits and vegetables. I also try to get enough sleep.

    Reply ↓
  155. Kimberly Hilbert

    I take control and care of my body by making sure I eat well and take multi-vitamins to support that.

    Reply ↓
  157. Venus Marie Lay

    I take control of my health by walking every evening and making sure I take vitamins every day.

    Reply ↓
  161. Tina m

    I take control and care of my body by drinking a lot of water, eating healthy food and no soda!

    Reply ↓
  162. Jerry Marquardt

    I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/623926539638411264

    Reply ↓
  166. Christina Sparks

    I took control of my body by stop drinking soda and replacing it with water.

    Reply ↓
  167. Madeline

    Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/615480423511162880

    Reply ↓
  168. Stephanie Larison

    I take control with lots of working out, and only drinking water. It’s the best thing for you!

    Reply ↓
  170. Samantha Daleo

    I try to take care of my body by drinking lots of water (no soda!), walking a mile a day and trying to eat just a little less than whats on my plate at each meal.

    Reply ↓
  171. tina reynolds

    I like taking care of my body by getting up and moving at least 30 mins a day

    Reply ↓

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