Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I cook fancy dishes just for me and my spouse. It’s a lot of fun. Going to make Lionshead meatballs with fresh ramen tonight.

Yum. Are you using old recipes or exploring new websites? I do weekly meal planning and I'm always looking to add to the rotation. We've gotten really into grilling this summer.

I get all my ideas from TikTok or Instagram. The homepage algorithms work really well and I always have fresh ideas to attempt.

Ice cream

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I started meditating. Very simple and easy following headspace.com (about 10 to 12 minutes start to finish).

It’s truly been a game changer.

NP, and why the eye roll? I came on this thread to post the exact same thing. I use the Peloton app and even a 10 minute meditation per day has been SO helpful for increasing my patience. I was already working out daily, but find that meditating really, really helps.

Gardening...haven't taken time for it in years; so far, so good. Pretty sure what I spent on veg starts, seeds, rocks, perennials, soil, etc. and what I'm paying in water are much, much more than what I usually spend on all organic produce but ... I enjoy the process even though I had a minor stroke at the water bill last week.

Working out 30 - 90 min/day. I'm almost 50 with a young child. I need to stay in shape to keep up.

Napping - giving in to the exhaustion and taking a 20-min nap is heavenly. My son reads in my bed while I sleep; it's very cozy. Then I go back online for work and he goes back to play.

And hikes with family friends. Getting sweaty, dirty, physically exhausted, and swimming in cold mountain water is so much fun. DH works 70+ hour weeks, so we can't do this as often as when we were young but we all love it when we can get out and spend time with friends.

Gardening. Digging in the dirt, pulling weeds, and watching things grow is very therapeutic.

Yoga. I like Yoga With Adrienne on YouTube. Her videos are easy to follow and she has ones for all levels.

Joyriding. Going on scenic car rides, with no particular place to go, has been fun.

Anonymous wrote:I think a lot of people are drinking. It's getting to be really problematic. I say this as someone who feels she has something of a drinking problem, and folks aren't drinking any less than I was.

I walk "with" a friend (on the phone) some mornings, but it should be more frequently.

I don't know why that person eyerolled at Headspace, but it helps me too. Could be any app, any meditation or mindfulness practice. Could be 5 minutes per day.

Just to add-- the more I can do some small thing to help out a friend, neighbor, PTA-- I guess it's not supposed to be "self care," but maybe because I'm not run ragged by volunteering, it helps my mood so much.

I think a lot of people are drinking. It's getting to be really problematic. I say this as someone who feels she has something of a drinking problem, and folks aren't drinking any less than I was.

I walk "with" a friend (on the phone) some mornings, but it should be more frequently.

I don't know why that person eyerolled at Headspace, but it helps me too. Could be any app, any meditation or mindfulness practice. Could be 5 minutes per day.

Each weekend day me and DH give each other at least 2 hours of down time to do whatever while the other takes the kids. DH usually works out. I usually binge watch something on TV. It makes a big difference.

Anonymous wrote:I cook fancy dishes just for me and my spouse. It’s a lot of fun. Going to make Lionshead meatballs with fresh ramen tonight.

Yum. Are you using old recipes or exploring new websites? I do weekly meal planning and I'm always looking to add to the rotation. We've gotten really into grilling this summer.

I cook fancy dishes just for me and my spouse. It’s a lot of fun. Going to make Lionshead meatballs with fresh ramen tonight.

Anonymous wrote:I started meditating. Very simple and easy following headspace.com (about 10 to 12 minutes start to finish).

It’s truly been a game changer.

Occasional baths with a great exfoliating scrub.

I started meditating. Very simple and easy following headspace.com (about 10 to 12 minutes start to finish).

It’s truly been a game changer.

Wine every night with 2 hours of mindless tv.

Self care feels impossible for many of us, but it's important for our sanity (especially as parents). For me, it's running every day... although I really miss little things like getting my nails done, getting a massage, and weekends away (here and there) with my husband. I'd love to hear about what other parents are doing to take care of themselves. Hoping to get some good ideas.