Being at this stage of life, I fortunately have been through a number of stress-inducing events over the years that I am pretty chill when it comes to handling the unexpected.

My father’s death was a shock, but it happened when I was a teenager and I still at times have to process my grief multiple decades later. I’ve been married, I’ve had a child, I’ve bought a house, I’ve survived numerous job interviews, and many hectic days at work.

How do you, as a human being, work through those events in your life and still retain a modicum of sanity? There are a number of things I do personally to be sure I take care of number one:

SEEKING OUT QUIET TIMES

Finding moments in my day where I can stop everything and think about things…or think of nothing at all.

CONNECTING WITH MY DOG

Perhaps it’s the truly unconditional love you experience with man’s best friend, but there is something (even scientifically proven) about petting a dog and having the experience lower your blood pressure.

EXERCISING & LISTENING TO MUSIC

Something magical happens when I combine great music with a hard workout. The music makes we work harder in the gym without realizing it, and then the results of working out reduce my stress and lift my mood. Total win-win for me!

READING

Although I tend to love pulse-pounding novels, the actual ritual of reading books on a regular basis both educates me and allows me to remove myself from my life for a short stretch of time, sweeping me and my problems into another world completely.

WALKING

Closely related to exercise, but in this instance, not done with arms swinging back and forth and movement at a breakneck pace. It’s more about stopping and just enjoying the weather, the music in my ears and being able to just be…great weather preferred!

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These are just a few things I do to take good care of myself on a daily basis. These small yet meaningful habits contribute to my overall well-being and happiness from each day to the next.

In closing, self-care is an essential practice that varies from person to person, shaped by our unique experiences and preferences. I hope my reflections inspire you to consider your own self-care rituals and how they enhance your well-being. I encourage you to share your own self-care practices in the comments below. Whether it’s a quiet moment with a favorite book, a stroll in nature, or an evening spent with loved ones, your insights could inspire others to embrace their own paths to self-care. Let’s create a community of support and encouragement as we navigate life’s challenges together!