When you’re in the midst of health problems, self-care might be the last thing you want to make time for. Your symptoms might be draining your energy and making you feel physically awful, or your schedule could be so packed that fitting in another thing feels impossible.
However, when you’re in crisis, it’s critical that you make time to take care of yourself. If you don’t, you simply won’t have the mental or physical resources to manage the challenging circumstances. Plus, self-care practices make you stronger in body and mind…and that’s worth making time for.
So, here are some ideas to help:
- Schedule time for your self-care practices in your calendar. It’s the best way to ensure nothing else infringes on that time.
- Write in your gratitude journal daily. The benefits of gratitude have been scientifically proven, and even though some days may be harder than others, you can always find something you’re thankful for.
- Go on a date with a partner, friend or family member. When you’re under stress, you often neglect your relationships. So, carve out some time for fun.
- Move your body doing something fun you enjoy. Exercise (even very mild exercise) can boost your endorphins, make you feel happier and lower your stress levels.
- Take an aromatherapy bath to support relaxation.
- Listen to a spiritual podcast or read a life-giving book.
- Check out these 35 ideas to relieve your stress.
Read Lynden’s story below to see how her mom, Amanda, learned the importance of self-care.
Lynden’s Favorite Sport or Activity:
Tennis
Lynden’s Favorite Healthy Food:
Apples and cucumbers
Lynden’s Health Tip:
Do detox baths.
From KICKcancER:
- Here are our detox bath directions, and here’s more information about the importance of detoxing.
Lynden’s Story with KICKcancER:
(This is from Lynden’s mom, Amanda.)
We loved using the items from KICKcancER. She especially loved the detox baths.
The day we found out Lynden had cancer she asked me to start putting money in the box at McDonald’s for kids with cancer. We decided to come up with our own way to raise money for kids with cancer and in 6 months raised over $50,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation to help find cures and better treatments for kids with cancer.
As I was in the journey with Lynden, I realized there is so much support for the children and VERY little for the moms, who take on so much during it all. Being a mom is HARD, but being a mom of a child with cancer is next level. Trying to help them, and other kids, your spouse…you begin to lose yourself.
We recently started working on creating a non-profit organization to provide support and help to moms of children affected by cancer. We held our first retreat the beginning of February in Southern California. The moms were treated for a full day of relaxing, uplifting and even received bags full of goodies. They were able to build relationships and bonds with other moms “who get it”. We cannot wait to host more retreats and continue to help these mamas.