Show yourself some love

This is a departure from my usual posts.

I was getting ready for the gym yesterday and noticed how dry my feet were. So I decided to rub some thick cream on them before putting on my socks and gym shoes.

I know from experience that a few days of doing this will get my feet nice and soft. It only takes the time I spend at the gym!

And it occurred to me, “I need to do this all the time.” (Because my feet get really dry, especially in the winter.)

And it only took, what, a minute?

I considered, then, that there are actually lots of easy things you can do to take better care of yourself—to take care of you, no one else, and certainly not your kitchen counter or anything like that!—that only cost you a minute.

These are simple things you can do that will make you feel a little better. Because life is all about the simple pleasures, right? Like soft feet.

And women need to feel cared for.

Maybe more than ever in midlife. Because life then can be a bit more trying. With more significant challenges than we had 20-30 years ago.

I’d love to hear your ideas, because I’m sure I’ve only scraped the surface. Meanwhile, here’s my list.

It only takes a minute to…

1. Rub thick cream on your feet before pulling on socks.

2. Swipe your lips with a moisturizing lip balm.

3. Massage hand cream on your hands.

4. Put water in the kettle and a teabag in a cup.

5. Shrug your shoulders in forward and backward circles to get rid of the tension that builds up through your neck and shoulders.

6. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths in the middle of your day.

 7. Quick-stretch your upper body. (Bring your arms out in front of your torso and lace your fingers. Pull gently, stretching your back and rear delts. Next, raise them overhead, fingers still laced, and stretch them toward the ceiling. Now, unclasp your hands and bring your arms behind you. Extend through your thumbs and feel the stretch through your chest, front deltoids and biceps. You can do this multi-muscle stretch at your desk, or while waiting for your tea kettle to blow!)

8. Run clear mascara through your eyebrows. (I’m not one to give beauty tips, but my eyebrows grow long and go this way and that. Doing this makes me feel a bit more kempt.)

9. Smooth a mask onto your face before taking your shower or bath.

10. Put some flowers into your grocery cart.

A small effort is involved in all of these, for a nice payoff!

Exercising. Eating healthy food. Both are important. Both contribute to your quality of life.

Showing yourself more love—even in little ways—also counts.

Sure, having soft feet may not address any of your really big challenges. But it can feel good. And sometimes that’s important.

What self-care items are on your list?