Morning coffee ritual on the back porch (weather permitting). At which time I am often doing more “meditative” or spiritual or soul searching things (could wind up being things like reading or writing or listening to certain songs that seem to float up out of my intuition...and so on). It’s also “just me” and alone time and there is no certain thing every time. I just go with the flow. Lol. During this time I don’t think about things like tasks and such like that or what I “have to” get done today etc.
I consider my piano playing to be self care (boosts immune system!) and is at the top of my list! I also love journaling, art journaling, drawing/doodling, and walking while listening to Art Juice podcast.
Hi Vera, lovely to see you back and glad you are feeing a bit better. Since leaving my teaching career, I try to have a day off per week. I spend this pottering around the house- catching up on chores, puzzling, plant care. It really helps me to take a breather during the week. I have also made a point of cutting out the negative people in my life, as well as making sure those who are still in my life know that they are appreciated. Have a great rest of the weekend and hugs from London! x
Good for you, so many teachers going out of it, the expectations of teaching is quickly demoralised by the reality of time consuming paper work, unrealistic targets, worse no support when needed and poor leadership. 😢
I particularly enjoyed being reminded that we need to list the things that make us happy and contribute to our well-being. I'm working on that right now. May I add that we also need to work on defining our boundaries with ourselves and others. Then learn how to enforce them diplomatically yet firmly.
Hello Vera! I cannot wait to watch your video this evening :) I've been very snappy and cranky lately. I think it's time for me to care more for myself so that I'm not so on the edge!
Thanks Vera great 👍 tips one self care activity I like to do is soaking my feet in aromatherapy oils and bath salts a t light and my breath I feel calmer fast 💜
Thank you for your suggestion Joanne :) I do have a (really) old video about dealing with stress and anxiety: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE--XszLDmKyyA.html
At my age (67) an occasional nap refreshes me. Thank you for your videos-they are inspire to a simpler life. I’m curious about the plants you have in your background. What are they?
Thank you so much Marianne! :) About the plants, I honestly don't know what they're called hahaha. I just water them, and they're happy here. But I'm not that knowledgeable about house plants
Perfect timing for this video on self care. Thank you. I'm not feeling well right now due to stress and so many family problems. So I need to recoup and this video reminded me I'm worth it!
So glad for your videos. Love the concept of taking time for self care. We need to be kind to ourselves. Especially with everything going on in the world.
I scheduled an extra hour early before regular bedtime over the last month. I put on a meditation on RU-vid and my sleep has proved so much! 😃. I naturally wake-up a bit earlier now , but that helps for a calm start of the day and have more energy . So a double win👍😅
I am glad to see you again, I missed you last week😅. I wish you have a good weekend🙏. I planted some new strawberry plants and a raspberry bush yesterday, the weather is so beautiful, so I spent some time on my balcony enjoying the sun and my plants. Take care! 🌱🍓☀️
Hi Vera, Thank you so much for this video and the reminder for self-care! I'm from the generation really never put themselves first or did any self-care! I'm probably around your mom's age in my fifties... Plus I have anxiety and what's going on in the world right now it's so difficult to stand by and watch, you feel like you want to do more and don't know what to do! It just adds to the anxiety and stress I normally have making it very difficult to do something for myself! So thank you for this reminder! Stay safe and well!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Nancy, happy to hear you enjoyed the video :) Yes, times are challenging, I can relate :) Try to get back to the here and now when you're feeling anxious, and know that it's not your obligation to carry the world's events on your shoulders. :) Take care!
I thoroughly enjoyed this video. First, allow me to say you are so naturally beautiful. This was such a perfect timing for me. I have been squeezing so much into my schedule that it was unrealistic. This list helped my list. You put the inspiration back to my life. 🌹🌹🌹I like the scheduled breaks. Going outside getting some fresh air. Sometimes I go for days of just working inside the house. So many good and needed ideas! Thank you so much! New subscriber. 🩰dancing and for me, singing is something that makes me happy. Hugs. Hugs to the ladies viewing this too!
Really a challenge for me. Trying to figure out what my self care activities are. Am thinking the list needs to be broken down into sections, e.g. very tired, medium tired and just a little bit tired.
Thank you for showing me that it’s ok to take time for self-care. I never heard of the highly sensitive person before watching your videos. I’ve modified my self-care by turning off the lights while taking a bath and only keeping a candle light on. IT HELPS SO MUCH! I finally feel normal for being the way that I am :)
So happy to hear that Tiffanie :) I can relate, it's really nice to relax in a space without harsh lighting or loud sounds and stuff. I also always turn the lights down low when I take a shower. Much better :)
Thanks for another great video, Vera. This is my favourite channel. Another self care/minimalism video I would really like to see is about decluttering the mind: how to do it and the benefits to our health and to our own environment at home.
Thank you, Vera. ❤️ #6 is the reminder that I really needed right now. I'm very sensitive to world events, and I often feel guilty for even thinking about myself, when compared to what others are going through. Your kind, wise words eased my anxiety so much. Also, if you were to elaborate more about #8 in a separate video, I would love to learn more about acknowledging and honoring body symptoms.
Thank you so much Meredith :) Happy to hear it was helpful! Don't feel guilty for thinking of yourself. It's not needed and you deserve your own time and attention! Also, thanks for your suggestion. I'm thinking about how I can make a video about that and still have it be interesting for many people. It's a topic I'm also still pondering a lot hahaa.
I ended up in emergency with quite a bad anxiety attack bought on with all the world events and other internal factors.. I seem to take on the emotions of the hurt that is happening. Can you offer some dos and don’t to help this situation? The attending doctor had time to tell me to speak with a psychologist and stop watching the news (and honestly this has helped soo much).
Hi there, I'm so sorry to hear that! As someone who also experiences empathy overload occassionally, I know what it's like. I think not watching the news anymore is great advice. Something I also decided a while ago :) There are ways to stay informed on a basic level, without watching the news. Hope you'll feel better soon 🤗 Feel free to watch my videos about being a highly sensitive person for tips on dealing with empathy and taking on the hurt of the world.
Hi Jane! They're from a brand called Ana Luisa :) They make jewelry in an ethical and sustainable way, and I've worked with them on the channel a couple of times :)
@@SimpleHappyZen Тhank u for your kind reply! I saw your vids where u mentioned this jewelry and the brand... but could not find the exact ones to rewatch and write out the brand name. You look adorable wearing those delicate pieces! Blessings!
@@janefarrer2868 Thanks Jane! Yes, they're my favorite :) Maybe I'll work with them again sometime in the future. I think they do have a sale going on right now :)
The #7 is so important, especially if you are in a relationship! 🙌 And just a tiny reminder to whoever is reading this: Let love guide you, not fear. You are a beautiful creature. Much love from a fellow soul ❤
Vera, you just keep getting more beautiful. I love the new makeup color palette . You’re having a great hair day. So your self care is working great . My sister is under some extreme stress and I am more stressed than usual. I need all of the self care tips and or activities that you can give. Thank you so much for just being you. It is getting really hard to find people on RU-vid that make videos to sincerely help people. Some I used to watch have evolved to basically not much help and a whole lot of commercialization. So I’m decluttering my subscriptions. I honestly feel you care about the content of your videos and you go out of your way to make each and every one a beautiful, calming , and creative environment to rest rest and rejuvenate my mind . Thank you for your goodness and time .❤️
I couldn't agree more and you've taken the words from my mouth and spoken them in a more beautiful way! Vera, your channel is uplifting and I love coming here so much too
Good morning from Spain,Vera. You're videos are so inspiring, I always feel much better after watching as it makes me stop to realise I'm getting into a rut,as it's so easy to do,the majority of the time without even knowing, and I need to make changes ,so you are such a big help and inspiration. All I can say is ' Thank you' ,you are a great human being and so sweet. I'm all ready for some self care..I've just bought some essential oils for my home so today I'll try them and maybe even in the bath...Glad to know you're feeling better. Sending you lots of hugs!xx
Aw thank you so much for your kind comment Charlette, that really means a lot to me :) So happy you're enjoying my videos and find them helpful! Have some extra self care today :)
My problem is that I don't practice self care. I know I need to change this but it's hard to create new habits. It would have to be something simple if I want it to be sustainable.
Hi Vera. How are you. Very nicely explained this topic. Just I added that.... IGNORING TOXIC PEOPLE IS SELF CARE... 😀 Thanks for your overall support. Just enjoy moments 🎉🎉
Thank you Vera! I don't always catch every video, but I so enjoy the ones I do watch :) I identified with many of these points, but particularly the mention of "natural limits" and comparing yourself to others. I am SO guilty of this. I will be upset with myself for being tired, for example, and say something like "So and so has two kids and still manages to accomplish more than I do, I must be lazy". I'm learning that it's just not helpful to think this way. I also love the reminder about accepting our anxiety and stress. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping, or my stomach is in knots, but adding thoughts like "oh no! I'm getting stressed! This isn't good!" Is ultimately an unnecessary layer, and works us up, like you said. Thank you for the reminders ❤
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Ellie :) I can relate to basically everything you said hahaha. But you're right, it's not helpful to think like that. Also, I've learned it's not even always realistic, because we tend to compare ourselves to people who are very good at that particular thing, but we have other talents. As well as that we might think others are able to handle a certain schedule, but you never know what's truly going on with them, they might be very tired as well for example. Self love and acceptance is one of the things that changed everything for me :)
Definitely a really important topic thank you :-). I struggle with self care full stop but force myself to try everyday. Drinking enough water is an ongoing battle that I rarely win lol. Feeling lazy when others around you have energy to carry on is another thing i am working on. I am glad you are feeling a bit better.
Thanks so mcuh for sharing your thoughts! Haha I smiled at your comment about drinking enough water. Although, because you're trying every day, you're probably still drinking more water than you would have otherwise :) So it's a win!
Self care is absolutely essential in this day and age. As a caregiver,it’s hard to look after others when I am tired,stressed and not getting any rest time. Thank you for this,Vera.
Hi Vera, I just wanted to take the time to thank you for putting out this video today the timing was perfect I’ve had a very rough week with what I thought was my bladder sling prolapsing when in fact it was a really bad bladder infection and I found out I have an umbilical hernia. However I always talk about self-care on my podcast but sometimes I’m not always doing it to the full extent for myself. And from a metaphysical point of view there’s always a reason why we have things happen to our body and 80% of the time I feel it’s because we’re not taking the time for self-care enough so someone higher up usually has some thing happen to slow us down and remind us to self-care every day all day. So once again thank you so much for the reminder and even something as simple as washing dishes by hand instead of using your dishwasher can be very meditative. At least for me and I know that Cleaning is something that I thoroughly enjoy and it brings me joy and happiness and makes me feel so organized. So even though my energy level is not up to par these days I am going to put down my phone make a list and start organizing all the things that I wanted to do this new year and make it happen this weekend so I can have a better week. I to have set reminders now in my phone to self-care and remind me to go to sleep by nine every evening. I hope you have a beautiful weekend and I hope that everyone on this channel since were probably all like minded has a wonderful day and I wish you all the best.
Hi Wendy, I'm so sorry to hear you've had a rough week with some health issues... I hope you'll feel a bit better soon, sending healing vibes your way 🍵🌺
Hi Vera! I really enjoyed this video which has helped me a lot. I felt under the weather the whole week as I have been disappointed with my job for the past year. My to-do-lists are very long and crammed with deadlines who all fall at the same time. I have taken it slow since last Sunday, I can't say I'm feeling better yet, but at least it hasn't gotten worse 😅 I am going to take steps to see what I can do about my job situation and even took time to book an appointment with my doctor as I feel I am on the verge of a burn out. I am the kind of person who has a big stamina and can do many things, but when I crash... I crash severely because I am exhausted. I am very interested in a video about not ignoring the signs your body is sending you. Take good care and have a nice Sunday 🌷🍵
Hi Marine, thanks for sharing your thoughts! I'm sorry to hear you're going through a tough time, but good to see you're taking steps to rest and evaluate things and discuss it with your doctor! Hope things will get better for you soon 🌷💕
This was suggested by youtube, so I thought I'd see what it was about. Painful. The self you may have left out of your list of self - I couldn't watch much so I don't know - but your most obvious 'self's' is Self-Absorbed. Completely. Totally. Therapy may help but I don't think so.
The fact that you have a tongue piercing is very surprising. Usually people that are reserved and calm wouldn't have such "rebellious" decorations of their body.
Thank you Kelly. :) Have you seen my video about burnout yet? It's not a do's and don'ts, but still might be helpful :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ObM0DRNm1a4.html I also have a more in-depth video about my burnout experience on Patreon.
I so needed you at this moment and this video came at the perfect time! I woke up today and went onto VELSHI on the tv to see the latest in Ukraine and it was just so horribly sad! I just cried and cried!! So powerless, so, so sad, I’m crying again now just thinking about it. I had to turn it off and went onto RU-vid and there you were with this latest video. You were so very helpful to my mental health with your suggestions on self-care. Thank You so very much! Watching it a few times so it really sinks in. I’m feeling a little bit better because of you. You’re so comforting, Vera, feeling so grateful for you!
Hi Vera! I would love to see your take on the Do's and Don'ts of Self-Improvement--it can be a tricky topic, similar to how self-care can sometimes be the opposite of helpful if approached with the wrong attitude/purpose, but I wonder what you think about striking a balance between honoring/accepting ourselves, and also gently shifting behavior in a new direction, even if just as an experiment. Take care! 🧡
Her: Don’t do things that drain your energy Me: Well that means drop out of college😂 Jk.. but for reals though, school work and the stress of college drains my life😭
Number 17 is what I do. I do my best to limit exposure to toxic people (hard to do when they are your parents). I have had to have a bit more rest since I am still recouping from a nasty viral infection. Being a parent you have to do some self care for yourself so you can take care of your child(ren). Yes, I did have to learn that one the hard way because i felt I had to do Everything aka be super mom. Now not so much. Thanks for the do's and don'ts of self care and yes it is perfectly fine to be a bit "selfish" and ask for help.
No fluff in this list -- you get right down to the nitty gritty! I did a little skin care and made myself a cup of tea while listening. Thanks for the hmm... permission? encouragement, companionship, wisdom. All good.
YES!!! I would've loved that back when I was working an office job. I used to sneak to the cafeteria whenever I had a little time outside of lunch hour, when no one was there hahaha.
I agree. I dont have an office job I work fast food so theres really never moments of quiet more often than not and its a real bummer 😑😞😒 Its also tempting to eat unhealthy due to working within an atmosphere where ur surrounded by junk food and u get some for free. I try to limit as much as I can and am trying to eat healthier and my bf is a big help making dinners 😇 I come home really overstimulated usually and/or drained and exhausted where I may snooze shortly after work. I dont usually day nap buuuuut on particular days/weeks I'm just abnormally drained so I let myself rest without any guilt after work and sleep shortly after being awake if I have work again the next day. Its okay to feel u need extra rest!! 😇👌
I just needed this Vera. I'd been so down this past couple of months. I was forcing myself to be grateful. Though I just vented out my frustrations....Thanks for this. Though you had posted this sometimes back, I only checked now. I didn't feel like doing anything. But these seem just for me. Thanks as usual dear friends.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Jana, so sorry to hear you've been feeling down. It's totally okay, life has ups and downs. :) I hope you'll feel a bit better soon!
Great video!!! Some new ideas for me and others that I need reminders to do. Thank you Meditation is my biggest self-care activity. I can tell by the way I feel when I’ve neglected it. Meditation keeps me calm and gives me clarity.
Hi Vera! Thanks for the video, I feel like my self care has improved so much and your video really puts things into perspective. However, my mother who is very suceptible to stress (and my father too) they really don't take the time out for themselves and they just end up sitting in front of the TV a lot. I have suggested to them books and meditation but they aren't even willing to try. I know I can't do anything apart from listen and offer advise. But being the one seeing it happen in front of me makes me feel helpless and as I know from personal experience, no one can force you to do self care, it has to be down to the individual person to want to make that move. Thanks again, Chloe x ❤️
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts Chloe and you're absolutely right I think about offering advice and listening to people, I also think that's all you can do :) Lead by example and be there to help others when possible. :) You're doing a great job at that already. Perhaps they'll get inspired sometime :)
Def I think for me the crucial ones have more to do with “fantasy girl SHOULD do this” if she is any good at self care (or also what others might do or say is best and we start trying to adopt someone else’s personal standards). It def is rather defeating the whole purpose when we turn it into so much not good enough stuff or not really “me” stuff or pleasing other people stuff.
