All too often women are the caretakers who forget to make time to care for themselves. It’s a tale as old as time. For many years I would give other people’s needs priority over my own comfort and as a wife and mother, it is sometimes necessary. However, we must still take the time to invest in our own well-being for ourselves and the families around us if we wish to continue to be caretakers.
Our loved ones want us to be happy too! When we are happy, we share our inner joy with our families, friends, and co-workers and that makes the days much more enjoyable!
Coffee/Lunch/Dinner date with a friend – With our ever-growing workloads, family obligations and never-ending ‘to do’ lists; we tend to forget the importance of time spent with our best friends. I think it is always a great idea to spend a short while catching up, listening and laughing when you can. Scientific research says people who spend time with friends are happier and live longer! Stacy likes to say. “Laughing is inner jogging!” I recommend trying Facetime when you are far away. If you make some tea, it feels like you are really sitting together!
Art and Wine classes – It doesn’t matter if you’re painting a sign and drinking wine, at a book club or any gathering at all. If it piques your interest, to get creative and be authentically you, you should! We are all good at different things but how will you know what your good at if you don’t try a few? It’s fun to expand our energy into the world by letting our creativity flow. So, make an ornament, paint a sign, learn to bake cookies or whittle a spoon. Maybe even a house party that turns into an old fashion slumber party?! It’s okay to answer the need for more fun in our lives. You deserve it!
Skincare – Spa treatments with friends are a fabulous way to get some self-care and girl time in. I don’t know about you but harsh winter weather dries my skin worse than any other season. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and we must care for it. Now that I am growing older, I see the importance of hydration! I do not believe we should feel like it is indulgent to get facials, body treatments, and effective moisturizers to be comfortable in the skin you’re in! It is okay to love yourself. You are worth it.
Self-care – Going to the gym, getting a massage, taking yoga classes or even cooking classes are an investment in your body, mind and spirit connection. I find that sometimes it is energizing and encouraging to have a friend with you while we practice self-care. Friends usually add comedic relief that also helps us unwind. We all need to move our bodies while remembering they are connected to our heads! The more we make sure they work together the more balanced we feel. It feels good to feel balanced!
Comfort Food – Cooking with friends can be a heartwarming and uplifting experience. Collaboration in the kitchen encourages teamwork and communication, something all relationships benefit from. While certain foods can calm our soul by making us feel safe, warm, full and content. We sometimes crave the foods that make us feel like we are home. For some of us it is hearty stews and casseroles while for others it is baked goods and sweets. Feeling like we are safe and cared for is a basic human need we must feed!
Retreats and Vacations – There are places that offer quiet settings and relaxing spaces for groups of women to do hobbies, take classes, or have gatherings. Others offer weekends of silence, yoga, meditation and cleansing rituals. Retreats are meant to let you catch your breath, revive your energy, and allow you space to come back into balance. If this isn’t your style pick one that is! You get to make the rules for your life!
There are lots of ideas that don’t need dollars as well, from walking the dogs to volunteering or cocktails at home. Spending time is great for you and your friends!
I hope this blog offered some ideas to get you and your best friends together for a bunch of belly laughs! I’d love to hear the creative ways you and your best friends spend time together too.
Wishing you an abundance of joy and blessings,
With love,
Emy Minzel ~ Adventure Sister
Follow the Adventure Sisters on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAdventureSisters
Stacy Crep ~ Adventure Sister
Emy Minzel 