How many of us work in professions where we take care of others? Whether it be kids, patients, clients, our families, etc. Everyday I am always putting others before myself. I basically help to run two households. I nanny usually over 40 hours per week (cooking, cleaning, baths, doing laundry, school pick-ups, chauffeuring to swim lessons, soccer practice, making sure bills are paid, getting groceries, running errands, etc etc.). Before and after work, I am doing much of the same for my apartment (cooking, cleaning, organizing, paying bills, making sure we have essentials like toilet paper, paper towel, and milk, etc etc.).
In the meantime, I'm buying gifts and cards for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, births, deaths, engagements, weddings, "just because". I am always taking care of others and spoiling my loved ones. Which is fine. When my sister and I were kids, our mom took care of everything too: laundry, hot meals, cleaning our rooms, chauffeuring us around town, etc. It's in my blood, it's who I am. But sometimes, at the end of the day, I just want someone to take care of me.
Yes, my wonderful boyfriend will give me shoulder and foot rubs, help with dishes after dinner, and buy me the occasional flowers...and I adore him for those things. But sometimes, the one who can take care of me the best is myself. Sometimes I have to be a little selfish and put my needs first ...and occasionally make sure I am pampered.
Here is the list of my favorite ways to take care of myself:
1. Get a massage
2. Get a mani/pedi (which is something I try to keep up with every two weeks)
3. Get a long work out in
4. Read a book (preferably at the beach)
5. Write (anything & everything ...again, preferably at the beach)
6. Go for a solo hike
7. Cook a solid, well thought out meal (besides the everyday meals I make)
8. Watch a chick flick
9. Have a glass of wine or a beer by myself
Sometimes I need to remind myself to do these things more. They help me stay sane!
What's your favorite way to pamper yourself?
No comments:
Post a Comment