We recently made a calming box for my 4 year old son and it reminded me of this list someone gave me a long time ago. I watched him calm with his bubbles and blowing up balloons and remembered I need to take care of myself too. I like this list and it reminds me of ways I can take care of myself. I thought maybe it could help other moms and dads.
1. Take a warm bath
2. Have breakfast in bed
3. Take a sauna
4. Get a massage
5. Buy yourself a rose
6. Take a bubble bath
7. Go to a pet store and play with the animals
8. Have a manicure or pedicure
9. Walk on a scenic path in a park
10. Stop and smell some flowers
11. Wake up early and watch the sunrise
12. Watch the sunset
13. Relax with a good book and/or soothing music
14. Go rent a funny video
15. Play your favorite music and dance to it by yourself
16. Go to bed early
17. Sleep outside under the stars
18. Take a "mental health day off" from work
19. Fix a special dinner just for yourself and eat by candlelight
20. Go for a walk
21. Call a good friend - or several
22. Go out to a fine restaurant just with yourself
23. Go to the beach
24. Take a scenic drive
25. Meditate
26. Buy new clothes
27. Browes in a book or record store for as long as you want
28. Buy yourself a cuddly stuffed animal and play with it
29. Write yourself a love letter and mail it
30. Ask a special person to nurture you (feed, cuddle, and/or read to you)
31. Buy yourself something special that you can afford
32. Go see a good film or show
33. Go to the park and feed the ducks, swing on the swings and so on
34. Visit a museum or another interesting place
35. Give yourself more time than you need to accomplish whatever you're doing (let yourself dawdle)
36. Work on your favorite puzzle or puzzle book
37. Go into a hot tub or Jacuzzi
38. Record an affirmation tape
39. Write out an ideal scenario concerning a goal, then visualize it
40. Read an inspirational book
41. Write a letter to an old friend
42. Bake or cook something special
43. Go window shopping
44. Buy a mediation tape
45. Listen to a positive, motivational tape
46. Write in a special diary about your accomplishments
47. Apply fragrant lotion all over your body
48. Masturbate
49. Exercise
50. Sit and hold your favorite stuffed animal