this post was submitted on 30 Apr 2024
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Hello. Let's talk about self-care. Who practices self-care regularly? I've been making an absolute effort to practice self-care, and it's definitely improving my mood. I floss, meditate, do qigong, breathwork, etc. Yes, flossing is self-care, take care of yo teefs. What does everyone do for self-care? Bonus question: Where else can I post questions besides Ask Lemmy?

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[–] [email protected] 27 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Flossing is self care? I group that under "maintenance". It's the same level as going to the bathroom, washing your hands, etc. Self care, to me, is taking time that could be "productive" or doing something required and instead going for a walk or reading a book. It's a positive act that's not self damaging. Eating too much ice cream is not self care, but a bite might be.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 7 months ago (2 children)

I classify anything that helps your mood as self care lol. Drinking tea would be self care. Flossing helps your teeth stay healthy so I figured it counts.

[–] [email protected] -4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Is screaming racist and sexist remarks at strangers self care?

It helps my mood!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

N-no? You're supposed to take the kindness and compassion you show yourself and apply it to others :/

[–] [email protected] 11 points 7 months ago (1 children)

yes i am jelking off constantly

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago (1 children)

This is without doubt the most important form of self care, and the definition most people jump to when asked to say what self-care means.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

most people also assume that jelking is the same as jerking

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Easy to mistake. Jelqing is not jerking. Not sure what jelking though. I should wear my glasses when I post.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

i don't know what it is I made it up

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

Oh. Google jelging.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Lazy self-care taker here! I could not resolve myself to make much time for self care so i just built in a few things in my daily routine: walk my 10k steps a day to get some alone time & reflect, slow down my life rythm by avoiding to run from one thing to the next and focus on things i like, increase the amount of sport i do (outside in nature as opposed to a gym (or indoors) that looks like a soulless beton cage), eat better and healthier, drink less, i have now a personal assistant in my phone to scribble down anything (memos, tasks, ideas, thoughts...) so as to not clog my head with things 'i have to remember', re-focus on beneficial friendships, etc...

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Do you use an app?

[–] [email protected] 10 points 7 months ago (1 children)

One of my favorites is to take my dogs to the dog park, then relax under a tree while they run around and read a book. The hardest part is that as soon as I sit down in the grass, all the dogs run over and want pets and to cuddle in my lap.

[–] [email protected] 13 points 7 months ago (1 children)

That’s one smart dog. Reading a book while running around. Dogs are awesome.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 7 months ago

LOL thank you, that made me giggle.

[–] [email protected] 10 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Pretty much the same as you, but I do yoga instead of qigong. Plus I focus a lot on diet and nutrition and try to make sure I'm getting everything I need, whilst trying to minimise or avoid things that are bad for you, like processed foods, sugary stuff etc. Bought a Garmin smartwatch and smart scales last year to keep a track of my exercise goals, hydration, HRV, and sleep quality, and that's been real helpful in keeping track of my health.

Also planning to take up some basic martial arts as well; I was looking at kyokushin, but might pick wing chun due to it's practicality / self-defence aspects.

Bonus question: Where else can I post questions besides Ask Lemmy?

You can also post questions on Ask Lemmy's evil twin - [email protected]

[–] [email protected] 8 points 7 months ago

IMO all forms of taking care of yourself are self care. You have to love yourself before you can offer anything to anybody else.

The effort starts an upward spiral of increasing rewards. You feel better about yourself, people treat you differently, you feel more confident, and the cycle repeats.

[–] [email protected] 7 points 7 months ago

Yes, with occasional guided meditations from freemindfulness.org/download (5-15min)

Some very soothing meditations in varied styles. All available for free sharing under Creative Commons CC-by-nc-sa.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Self care is the thing that brings the most joy to my life so it's surprising how easy it is to let it slip. Daily meditation is huge. Being out in the wilderness and sunshine in general. Regular light exercise. Fruit and vegetables. Healthy relationships. Learning and teaching. None of these things are news to anyone. The challenge is to maintain a healthy routine.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Yes, to some extent I do try to maintain.

I try to sleep 7 or 8 hours every night.

I exercise 5 or 6 days a week. 4 yoga, 1 or 2 lifting.

Have a skincare routine night and morning.

I'm older now and think the main things that have kept me in good shape and looking better than I should are mainly just two (not counting taking care of teeth)

  1. Don't get fat, stay active.

  2. Night cream at bedtime, sunscreen in morning.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Yeah, I mean, I:

  • Eat at least three times per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
  • Exercise three times per week (in the gym, lifting weights)
  • Sleep at least 7 or 8 hours per night
  • Go outside every day
  • Have a skincare routine (although it's not much)
  • Brush my teeth twice per day (after breakfast and before going to sleep)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

I eat two massive meals per day, regularly walk stairs but not often, sleep at least until I hear something, go outside begrudgingly, wash my skin with a shower, and brush my beard every other day if I remember

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago

Yes in that I occasionally take a break from online things for my own well being.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

Yes, more by choosing to not partake in harmful activities such as drinking smoking and eating trash

[–] [email protected] 4 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (1 children)

I beat up a heavy bag for a few hours a week but I refuse to cut my hair. What if it gets to a magical length that I no longer have to manage it anymore, that is the dream.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago (1 children)

Eventually it gets long enough where a quick brush and throw into a bun only takes a few minutes and is solid for half the day, depending on what you're into

[–] [email protected] 2 points 7 months ago

Agreed. I'm growing out my hair and I'm currently at the point where it's no longer short but it's still not long enough to let it flow freely. If I don't brush it up with a comb or my hands, it ends up looking messy.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago

Meditation with help from the "Waking Up" app changed my life. I tried some other apps before and they're mostly just about stress relief which doesn't help you grow. This is different.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago

In addition to some of the other things mentioned here, I set my alarm early enough that I'm able to take my time getting ready in the morning. Having a little bit of quiet time to myself with a cup of tea really helps set the tone for my day.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago)

I do some self-care things that don't seem huge but really help me feel like I'm on top of things.

For example, I have a skincare routine which is a little time-consuming (about 15 minutes each time) but has really helped take my skin from normal to beautiful. I'm 42 but I don't look my age, and in part that's down to genetics, but also hydration and skin care.

I also see a personal trainer three times a week at my gym for strength training, and even though I hate cardio, I try to incorporate it on my off days.

Nutrition is an important part of self-care for me, and I cook most meals at home. I love going out to eat but the food in most restaurants is so unhealthy and/or high-calorie, which is especially annoying as a short woman. I try to limit myself to about 1450-1500 calories a day, and getting an entrΓ©e and a couple of drinks at a restaurant can easily meet my daily calorie limit if I'm not careful.

Also, nail art! I've recently gotten into stamping and it's so much fun, and I get a lot of compliments :)

And I have a strict dog-snuggling schedule, which always brings a smile to my face ;)

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Yup, I make a conscious effort to look after myself more now since I burned out from work a while back. I cycle to and from work, journal regularly (I started with Mind Journal and follow that format), walk my dog (and having a dog in general is great for self care). I make time to spend with friends and try to be present in the moment and enjoy the little things. I also make sure I go home on time from work, take my holidays and don't take on more than I can manage.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

In addition to some already mentioned, I keep a diary. A couple entries a week. Sometimes to record a feeling, other times just to get a feeling out of my head and on to the page. Sometimes just to feel the subtle joy of making marks on a real page, after a day of hammering keys at the cloud.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

Yup, I make a conscious effort to look after myself more now since I burned out from work a while back. I cycle to and from work, journal regularly (I started with Mind Journal and follow that format), walk my dog (and having a dog in general is great for self care). I make time to spend with friends and try to be present in the moment and enjoy the little things. I also make sure I go home on time from work, take my holidays and don't take on more than I can manage.