Do These Things To Take Care Of Yourself Today
You are busy taking care of everyone else. That is your role, and you enjoy it. You love being a caretaker and caregiver. But, remember that you need that same level of attention and care to stay strong and keep going. Continue reading for some helpful ideas on how you can take care of yourself.
Schedule Routine Medical Appointments
Taking care of your body and mind are things you already know you must do, but do you make time for them? If so, good for you! If not, it is time to schedule some necessary appointments. By attending these appointments, you are not only taking care of your current self but are also attending to your future mental and physical needs.
Here is a list of appointments you should schedule right away.
*Seeing your dentist twice per year is essential for catching any problems before they occur. Gum disease and cavities, if left unattended for too long, only get worse and will likely lead to other issues.
*Your vision is a key part of how you move through the world. As you age, your vision will likely change, causing you to need corrective lenses or even bifocals. Putting off eye exams may lead to accidents at home or while driving. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform tests to determine the overall health of your eye to maintain your vision. If you do not currently have an eye doctor as you have moved/relocated, then you will need to find one asap. You can do a quick search online, e.g. optometrist in Calgary, or you can look locally for one.
*Whether you feel you need it or not, scheduling a mental health appointment is always a good idea. It gives you a chance to talk with a professional and discuss any concerns you have. You also have the opportunity to learn new coping mechanisms that will help you regardless of your stress levels.
*Scheduling an annual well check is essential for everyone, regardless of age or gender. These appointments are a vehicle to learn how your body is functioning relative to your age and lifestyle choices. You can talk with your provider about issues or learn preventative measures to stay healthy.
Make Time to Exercise
Moving your body every day is essential for your physical and mental health. To make exercising a part of your daily schedule, try adding it to your calendar. When you make it a point to prioritize exercise, it is easier to maintain it over the long term.
Go ahead and get a sweat session in any manner you like. Try a wide range of classes from Pilates and Barre to spin or kickboxing. The options are seemingly endless. If you enjoy running, perhaps you can begin training for a short 5k race. Swimming, power walking, climbing, and lifting are all fun choices, too.
If finding the motivation to exercise proves burdensome, you should enlist a friend as your workout partner or accountability buddy. When you have someone you are beholden to for reporting your efforts and results, you are likely to feel more responsible for making those actions happen. If you work out together, it is easier to encourage and inspire one another toward meeting your physical fitness goals.
Watch this video for an easy introduction to the world of pilates at home.
Catch Up With a Friend
Catch up with a friend? You do that all of the time on Facebook and Instagram, right? While you have a glimpse into your friend’s curated life via social media platforms, you probably do not know what is really going on in their life. Go old school and pick up your phone to make an actual phone call.
It is all too easy to use technology to stay connected, and yet people seem to feel more disconnected than ever. This is because connections are not really being made. When your friend sees your name pop up on their phone, it will be like no time has passed at all since you last spoke or were together in person.
Make the call during your commute or set aside some quiet time at home with a cup or glass of your favorite beverage. Talk about your shared memories, ask about work and family, and check in to see how they are doing. Do some sharing of yourself, too. It is such a nice feeling to know that someone cares enough to listen to you, and it feels wonderful to just talk, vent, listen, and laugh with one another.
Go ahead and make your appointments, find a new exercise, and reconnect with an old friend. Take a few moments to unplug and just enjoy life. You will be glad you did.
