Welcome
It is 2022. We have been navigating a world engulfed in a pandemic for two years. At this point you may wonder, “Is it even possible to relax, rejuvenate, and de-stress?” Don’t despair. Me-time awaits you! Even if you can spare only a minute, there are easy, free, and useful things you can do for yourself. Likewise, if you are lucky enough to carve out 30 minutes or more, I’ve got you covered. Welcome to Me-time 101: Self-care in the time of Covid.
Introducing Me
To be honest, I don’t really know when the term “me-time” entered my consciousness, but even during high school I knew that what I desired most was a balanced life. At the time Jane Fonda’s exercise videos were all the rage, and so that is where I began - bouncing around and “feeling the burn” with two girlfriends a few days each week after school to balance out my academic life. By the time I was married and working full-time as a high school English teacher, maintaining balance was getting more and more complicated, but I somehow found time to walk most mornings.
Over time I added and expanded the tools in my toolbox, including creative endeavors as well as mindfulness and other spiritual practices. Some of what I learned came to me through extensive reading, researching or workshops; some from teaching a new course called Spiritual Explorations with an amazing team of teachers at Hong Kong International School. Some things I discovered while living in Asia for more than a decade, where spiritual practices and health and wellness are approached somewhat differently than in my home state (and present residence) of Wisconsin, USA.
When Covid-19 hit, I was incredibly grateful to have accumulated so many diverse and effective tools to keep me balanced, calm, and focused while much of the world seemed to be coming unhinged.
In 2020 when Covid-19 shut down the world, I awoke every morning one to two hours earlier than my husband and two children so that I could have a cup of tea, walk my dog, read, and write poetry or journal entries before I began my work day teaching on Zoom. When Covid-19 hit, I was incredibly grateful to have accumulated so many diverse and effective tools to keep me balanced, calm, and focused while much of the world seemed to be coming unhinged.
In March of 2021 I began a support group for moms of transgender children called Super Moms. The first focus of our group? Self-care. As a mother of a trans child, I know first hand how stressful that can be. I also know how important it is to be your very best YOU so that you can anchor a family in chaos. Self-care is paramount. At the time I was living in Hong Kong with access to many beautiful places in nature. Our first meet up was at the Nan Lian Gardens where we luxuriated in the beauty of the water, stones, shrubs and trees, and a breathtaking koi fish pond; this was the epitome of self-care and it was free. In the glow of that refreshing and rejuvenating day together, I generated a long list of self-care tips for my new-found friends. Many of those tips I will joyfully share with you in the coming weeks.
Introducing Me-time 101
This will be an eleven-week series in which I share with you the tools in my personal toolbox, accumulated through the decades and across continents and from both Eastern and Western traditions. Each week’s article will focus on a different topic. We will begin with the basics - like breathing - and eventually go deeply inward. I will define the topic, provide specific and varied activities and techniques, share why or how it works and provide potential benefits. You will have access to research, resources, and apps as well as plenty of personal stories. By the conclusion of the series, it is my intent to have shared with you at least 35 different self-care tools to try whenever and however you wish.
Topics in order are
Just Breathe
Making Me-time
Chill Pills
Night time me-time
Me-time to feed your intellect
Me-time for your body
Let Nature Nourish you during Me-time
Me-time to Open your Heart
Me-time for your Spirit
Toolbox Inventory
Dear readers, I know you have your own ways of combating stress, seeking balance, and finding focus and purpose in life. I also know it is not always a smooth journey. Sometimes it is just nice to get a fresh perspective or new ideas or know someone is cheering you on as you create and expand healthy habits for a balanced life. That is what I wish to do for you. Thank you for subscribing to Life Cheat Sheets. I hope this new series, “Me-time 101: Self-care in the Time of Covid,” nurtures and brings better balance to your mind, body, and soul.
Next Up: Just Breathe
You can find my other series “Parenting 101 Coupons: A Gift from your Parents” and “Partnering 101: A Deep Dive into Leaving Kindly” in the archives.
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Writer. Teacher. Gong Player.
Find more of my writing at GreenBaytoKorea.blogspot.com.
Learn about my business at CelestialSoundGB.com