On this page, you will find an interactive self-reflection exercise that invites you to contemplate how often you care for yourself. After reflecting on your self-care activities, we’ll take a look and see what Steve, Hattie and Alice do.
How often do you self care? Self-reflection exercise
How do Alice, Steve and Hattie look after themselves?
Now that we’ve explored self-care activities for our mind, body and spirit, see some examples from Alice, Steve and Hattie.
Alice
Mind, Body & Spirit: I make sure that I go for a walk every day, which seems to help me mentally, physically and spiritually. So if I’m at work, I go at lunch-time. I’m lucky that there are plenty of nice places to walk near the river. It clears my mind, keeps me fit and helps me to connect with nature.
Mind
- I talk to friends and my husband a fair bit.
- There are times I really want to let it all out I phone 1800 242636 (Carers Australia: Mon-Fri 9-5pm) to make a counselling appointment. Usually, I organise phone counselling but they offer to counsel in person and via Skype.
Body
- I love spending time with my horses (helps both mind and body)
- I try and cook healthy meals whenever I can
Spirit
- I go to church when I can. I have a good community of friends there and the pastor is good to talk to.
- I also pray a fair bit – more when I am stressed, but most nights
- I find that music can really lift my mood, so I put on my favourite songs when I can
Hattie
Mind, Body & Spirit: Working in my garden brings me a lot of peace. Every day I try and do some gardening. It calms my mind, keeps my body healthy and helps me to connect with nature. I feel healthier when I grow and eat our own herbs and vege’s. Often Eric sits outside and watches as I garden. It is an easy time that we both enjoy.
Mind
- Ironically, it is often Kirra who makes me laugh. We reminisce and laugh about old times.
- I also meet up with friends for a bridge morning every week. It stimulates me mentally and we have a laugh, especially if I’m winning.
- I think this fits with spiritual too… but I love sitting in the late evening watching the birds and looking at the changes in my garden. I like to sit back and see the results of my gardening work.
Body
- I keep active with my chores around the house, but mainly it is gardening that keeps me up and going
- I make sure that I don’t neglect my own health. I write on the calendar all of my health / doctor’s appointments.
Spirit
- I listening to a meditation CD to get to sleep at night, and sometimes if I need it, I listen to one in the morning too. I get them from our local library.
- Gardening soothes my soul. Even if it is a 5 minute break to water the pot plants.
Steve
Mind, Body & Spirit: I love a good book. A good novel helps me to escape. Reading at night helps me to get to sleep, especially if my mind is racing. In turn, a good sleep gives me energy to do the things I need to do the next day.
Mind
- My brother has been great to talk to when I need to
- Shortly after Kelly was diagnosed, I started seeing a psychologist. I go for a few weeks at a time when I need it, then have a break, then go again when I need it. He’s been SO helpful. It’s different to talking to family. I don’t have to worry about upsetting him.
- Nearly every weekend I go for a round of golf with my mates. It helps me get away from it all.
Body
- I used to go to the gym, but after Margo was born I set up a gym in the basement. I try and use it every day. Feels good.
- Running around after a toddler (Margo) helps to keep me fit. I like taking her to the park when I can to give Kelly more of a break.
- I need a good sleep and so if I find that if I’ve exercised I get a better sleep.
Spirit
- Spending time with Margo. I like reading to her at night.
- Getting a good massage. I try and fit in a massage every fortnight.