6 ways to take care of "YOU"!

For the longest time I always thought it was so strange that during an emergency on an airplane, you were instructed to put on your own mask before you assisted a child.  Of course I would put my child's mask on first, right?

It's interesting, though, because now I totally understand the point of taking care of yourself first.  If you don't take care of yourself, there is absolutely no way you can take care of someone or something else.  No way.

We are all responsible for something besides ourselves...whether it's children, assignments at work, classes, church responsibilities, or school work....and we need to remember that in order for these things (or people) to be taken care of, we HAVE to take care of ourselves first!

So, with help from many of you (thank you so much!), I have put together a list of 6 ways to take care of YOU and ways to lift your spirits.

1.  Exercise

Every time I leave the gym, or finish a walk, or do some type of exercise, I always feel better. The key is finding something that you love to do.  Find it and do it!  Here are some suggestions:

*Take a walk (Jamie F)
*Go for a run (Talisha R)
*Play soccer (Laurie O)
*Take a dance class (Erika T)
*Do yoga/pilates (Natalie H)

I am not a runner...never have been and probably never will be (I seriously get a side cramp about 3 minutes in). But, I take a Pilates class every week and LOVE it.  For months I was having some serious back pain, but this class has done wonders for my body, and I honestly feel like a brand new person.


2.  Serve (Kelsey E)

I know I always feel so much happier and less self centered after doing some type of service.  Some ways to serve others:

*Be a great listener.  Sometimes people don't want advice..they just want someone to listen.
*Compliment someone.  If you like something they're wearing, tell them! If you enjoyed a lesson they taught, let them know.
*Schedule one-on-one time with your kids, your siblings, etc.
*Give your dogs (or cats) extra/lots of attention (Sara R.)
*Bake someone a treat

This quote really is true. To find ourselves we really have to serve others.


3.  Go to your happy place

Hopefully, you have that one place that makes you instantly happy.  I remember going to see the movie Jane Eyre several years ago, and while sitting in my car after the movie, I had 2 choices.  I could either run my car off a cliff (because it was THAT depressing) or I could go to Target.  Target it was...and even though I didn't buy anything, my spirits were lifted just walking up and down a few aisles.  Other "happy place" suggestions:

*Barnes and Noble (Courtney S)
*Family members' home
*The temple
*Favorite spot in your home


4.  Do something alone

There are a ton of benefits of being by yourself.  Alone.  With no one "with" you and preferably no phone to distract you.  These times are ones that allow you to feel rejuvenated and feel inspired.  Some suggestions of things to do alone:

*Go to a movie solo (LK Lancaster)
*Take a drive (Talisha)
*Lay in the sun (Emily S.)
*Walk around Target (Priscilla S.) Targets does it again!


5.  Do "your" thing

We all have that one thing (or many things) that instantly helps us feel more relaxed.  I like to take a really warm shower, put on my oversized Les Mis shirt,  and make a treat while I either watch a favorite show/movie or read a really great book. Another thing I do is call a family member or a good friend.  (Priscilla S said she does the same!)  I can be so mad/sad/stressed out and a quick chat with one of my siblings or Jennie instantly cures that.  Some other instant relaxers:

*Get a mani/pedi (Rhonda T)
*Take a bubble bath (Chantal F)
*Wear fuzzy socks (Ashlyn G)
*Watch a funny show/reality tv/favorite movie (Lindsey J) (Crystal T)
*Eat a favorite treat...like cookies/doughnuts (David B...which is so awesome/cliche since David is a cop) :-)
*Get your diamond cleaned (Jennie C)


6.  Get Outside (Jordyn S)

I am a firm believer that fresh air can cure most problems.  It's a little hard to enjoy the hottttt summer days right now, but every now and then, an amazing breeze will come through, or a night will be just right to sit outside...and all is right with the world.  Things to do outside:

*Picnic in the park
*Walk in a new spot to explore
*Frozen yogurt with a friend...or by yourself (See #4) :-)


Remember to take care of yourself!  By doing this, you can do so much good in so many ways!!  

Happy Friday!  What are you going to do to take care of yourself this weekend?
Linking up with Lauren