Hi all. I haven't been on here for some time now. I have found ways to care for me. It's been so important as it helps those around me who are struggling. If I'm strong, everything seems to "work" better. I'm also trying to be a roll model for my daughter who struggles greatly with her mental health. I find that being together, joined at the hip, is not good for either one of us. We need space and balance. I also had to find a "new me" as the old me had a neck injury as well as multiple stresses.
So what I do is volunteer with animals. Gets me out for a few hours a week, in nature, with nature. I'm appreciated there and loved by the animals. It makes me feel wanted and loved which isn't always felt at home.
I also do a parkrun. It's weekly, early on Saturday mornings and goes for an hour or thereabouts. It's for all strengths. Some run, some walk. It doesn't matter how old or unfit you are. People take their dogs, their children, their friends. It's a way to meet people, if you're up to it or just to feel the fresh air and move your body. It's usually non interfering at home as it starts at 8 am and my daughter is still asleep. They have these parkruns in many areas around Australia, even the world. There's 2 in my local area.
I have coffee with close friends once a week.
When I'm not able to go out, I do gardening. Once again, outside in nature and physical.
I knit, do patchwork quilting, embroidery, draw, jigsaw puzzles or whatever I can when my emotions let me.
When I'm not up to crafts, I put earphones in and listen to music or watch shows on utube, in my own world.
I find I need a multitude of things - to make me feel like I still have some kind of life.
My daughter likes those "me" times when I'm out as well. It rejouvenates her too.
And I must say, there's been some improvements.
