Crafting Self-Care

Nov 15

The term “self-care” gets used a lot. To be honest, the first time I heard it I thought it was something else to placate our “Selfie” society. This is FAR from the case. Self-care is not the same thing as self-improvement (thought it may lead to it) and it is also not being selfish. Self-care is actually VERY important and has more to do with awareness and efforts in your overall well-being, especially its effects on your mental health. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, self-care can be treatment for physical and mental health disorders.

It is very common for self-care to fall to the wayside during busy and or stressful times. With the holidays around the corner and the January winter blues just behind, it seems like a perfect time to give ourselves a self-care check and make time to do so!

Mental and Emotional

I know mental health is a tough one. I think that it has helped a lot that people have been open about their mental health struggles and I hope this trend continues. I think of my mental health as a junk drawer. I need to check it regularly, be honest about what I need to let go of and unpack when needed. Otherwise, like our family’s junk drawer, my mind can get cluttered and the longer it goes unchecked, the harder it is to fix. I’m in a good place mentally right now, but I wasn’t always. I have tried to focus on relationships and activities that are positive for both myself and my family. It has taken a lot of practice and has required me to work through a lot in my own head space. Being aware and honest with myself as to how things affect my mental and emotional state is a craft I am always learning to hone.

I don’t feel like I have the expertise to say much else here. I do want people to know that they are not alone. Please be kind to yourself. I know it’s easy to get stuck in negative mental loops. Positive affirmations or “happy thoughts” help me when I’m trying to calm my mind and refocus. Talk to someone, anyone if you are having a hard time. If you don’t have access to a mental health professional, grabbing a good friend and some brew (coffee, tea, or craft beer) can do wonders. Also, know I’m sending you love.

Physical

Physical self-care is where I have been struggling the MOST lately. In fact, writing this post has been a great way for me to audit this area of my self-care. I need to work on eating well, being physical, and getting more sleep.

My job is sedentary, so I need to make time to be physical. During the pandemic shutdown, I did much better with this. Our family made a point, weather permitting, to walk at least two miles every day and we started doing Sunday family hikes. With our lives getting busy again it has been harder to make time for our walks. I have found that grabbing a buddy can really help with this one. Fellow BrewFlower, Poppy Don’t Give Me Hoppy, and I started to make time in the mornings. This has done tremendous things for my mental and physical health. Something about exercising with a good friend makes it so much more enjoyable! Plus, it gives you motivation and accountability. With the winter months approaching, I know I need to keep physical activity on my list of priorities!

One big obstacle is planning healthy meals. Again, during the shutdown, we did better with this as our family would try to limit trips to the grocery store, so we did a great job of planning our meals for the week. Eating healthy can seem really daunting. I personally had the misconception that I couldn’t really be healthy and still enjoy craft beer. Then I found a true gem within the social media, craft beer scene. Lori and Tim, also known as The Brewery Dietitians, started Nutrition on Tap (@nutriation.on.tap). They focus on balancing well-being, health, favorite foods, and craft beer enjoyment!

Nutrition on Tap

Nutrition on Tap offers realistic goals and tips. They also encourage others to use them for accountability, which as I mentioned I need! I really relate to their mission of positivity and striving for a “hoppy” lifestyle. I reached out to them in hopes of doing a self-care collaboration. As on brand, Lori and Tim came up with realistic options to focus on self-care for the week.

What is ON TAP for this week?

Nutrition on Tap and BrewFlowers would like to encourage you to set a self-care goal around:

Practicing Mediation

Meditation has the potential to check all the self-care boxes as it gives you time to relax both your mind and your body.

Treating Yourself to some Flowers

There are several studies that tout the benefits of flowers. Flowers can reduce stress and even boost productivity!

Spending Time Outside

Nature is huge for both mental and physical wellness. Getting outside can lower stress and boost your immune system!

Choosing a Positive Affirmation

Positive affirmations can be useful to help focus your thoughts and motivation. This could be anything from a simple reminder to an inspiring quote, to four little words “I can do it.”

Self-care has a lot to do with sustainability so as you set goals for yourself. Remember, self-care means different things to different people. Be kind (to yourself) and look for things that will bring you the most sustaining joy.