Share Your Daily Self Care Goals

Self-care goal 1

My number 1 self-care goal is to get enough sleep. Often this is difficult to do.

I know that setting a routine bedtime and rituals help me sleep better. With my husband working nights Sunday through Thursday and then switching to a daily schedule for the weekend, it messes me up. Many nights I cannot go to bed after he leaves for work and I end up staying awake too long. Then in the morning I awake when he comes home.

Plus, my own health interferes with sleep. My muscles and joints will hurt and my tender spots leave me feeling like there is a pea in the bed, alas The Princess and the Pea. Then, my bladder will insist on being emptied frequently.

Self-care goal 2

My second goal is to eat nutritionally. I have eliminated foods that bother my stomach or increase my pain. This includes the nightshades, cruciferous veggies, and limiting the citrus fruits.

As a result of watching how things effect me, I have also eliminated meat and gluten. So, I am a gluten-free, low sugar, vegan. I have trouble digesting raw foods, so I cook everything. That means sautéing my salads. I am going to try blending some raw fruits and veggies since I was given a Nutribullet recently.

I am also adding a fiber supplement and powdered laxative to my regimen. Protein powder, non-dairy and vitamin enhanced, is already part of my routine.

Self-care goal 3

Third, my goal is to exercise. Not heavy weight lifting or cardio, mostly stretching, yoga, or tai chi. I have trouble walking, although when I can it does help everything feel better.

I find the meditation component of yoga or tai chi to be helpful with my stress and moods. I often include prayer in this technique.

Self-care goal 4

One of my goals is to be more social. I do find this one difficult. I do not drive and have trouble getting around. I am always wondering if I go somewhere and have a flare or attack, then what do I do? I end up going places with my husband's assistance or just not going.

Then, there is the issue of how I feel at any given moment. There have been many times that I have gotten ready to go and suddenly had a flare and could not get out the door. So many times, I give my husband a list and he goes without me.

Even reaching out by phone or computer is hard when I am hurting or depressed. Talking can be hard work. It taxes my brain, and I have to stay awake. On the computer, I find it hard to sit long enough.

Self-care goal 5

I have not identified anymore goals. If I find something that will work better for my health, then I may have more.