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Self care and self neglect

(168 Posts)
Kate1949 Wed 02-Nov-22 16:14:38

It's not easy is it nandad? I feel bad whinging when there is so much worse! I hope your hair improves.

nandad Wed 02-Nov-22 16:07:44

Kate1949

Since I lost my hair I struggle to care anymore. Yes I know worse things happen.

I’m sorry you have lost your hair. I know how you feel about not caring any more, yes worse things happen but that doesn’t stop you feeling as you do. Mine has started thinning again and despite trying not to worry about it (and telling myself there are worse things) it still makes me depressed.

kircubbin2000 Wed 02-Nov-22 16:02:56

I only iron about 2 sweaters and occasionally a duvet.

VioletSky Wed 02-Nov-22 16:00:10

I like ironing as I can watch TV while doing it

Not ironing is definitely a valid life choice and possibly a level of self care I would aspire too if I didn't like it

pandapatch Wed 02-Nov-22 15:54:51

What is ironing please??!!!!

Prentice Wed 02-Nov-22 15:54:07

I quite enjoy ironingblush
My DD informed me many years ago that she did no ironing whatsoever and she still maintains that view. The strange thing is that you cannot tell as she always looks to be well dressed.

VioletSky Wed 02-Nov-22 15:48:37

Well, I did a very careful job of ironing my dresses and I feel better for it lol

Newquay Wed 02-Nov-22 15:44:55

They always say to follow the advice on planes don’t they? Put your own oxygen mask on first!

Prentice Wed 02-Nov-22 15:40:11

Yes, I think many Mums neglect themselves whilst putting the family first, I know that I did, once upon a time.
It is twenty years since I retired and the difference that makes!
There is always some ‘me’ time now and I make full use of it.

VioletSky Wed 02-Nov-22 14:14:55

I think mum's especially neglect themselves

Redhead56 Wed 02-Nov-22 13:57:46

Our daughter was very ill last year and it was frightening so much so I couldn’t eat properly. Mainly because it was out of my hands and I couldn’t help her I felt useless. No it does not sound daft we do need to self care in times of need otherwise we can easily neglect ourselves.

Hithere Wed 02-Nov-22 13:41:38

Vs

I understand the ironing example

Small tasks end up adding up to a lot

I do dedicate time to activities I enjoy daily, even if its 15-30 min.
I also now prioritize my to do list and if the sky is not falling if something doesnt get done, it can wait till tomorrow morning

BusyMum Wed 02-Nov-22 13:40:29

Well as their is a fresh shirt for DH each day and 3 school uniforms to wash and iron, plus bed linens and assorted other items that need ironing, I'd expect their to be more of their stuff than my own but that doesn't mean that I'm "neglecting myself", it's just a fact of life. Maybe getting your OH to pitch in with the house work would help with your self care? For my own sanity I do a weekly yoga session and zumba class. DH and I share household chores and child care and that means that we can both enjoy hobbies and interests that fortifies us. Not doing that is self neglect imho.

VioletSky Wed 02-Nov-22 13:27:13

I just wonder how many little things there are that add up, the ironing thing made wonder even if it isn't the best example

maddyone Wed 02-Nov-22 13:21:10

Does the doctor ask you to see him/her once a month Stella? It seems a lot to me but obviously if your doctor asks to go to see him/her once a month it is necessary.

stella1949 Wed 02-Nov-22 13:10:20

I don't think I'd use ironing as an example. Surely you do whatever ironing needs to be done, whether yours or other people's.

For self care, I like giving myself a manicure and pedicure once a week, and always use pretty shades of nail polish. I take care of my skin every day. See the doctor once a month and take his good advice about any health issues. For my mind I read and do crossword puzzles, and go to see good films. Write to friends , call them, see them for coffee.

I can't think of any examples of self neglect - it's not something which happens in my life. I'm aware of how precious so I try to make the most of life.

Kate1949 Wed 02-Nov-22 12:44:52

Since I lost my hair I struggle to care anymore. Yes I know worse things happen.

VioletSky Wed 02-Nov-22 12:42:52

Hopefully this doesn't sound daft.

I think most of us probably know what self care is even of we aren't finding enough time to do it but what about self neglect?

Silly really but I was just doing the ironing and realised that I spend far less time pressing my clothes than I do everyone else's

What do you do for self care?

Are there any ways you are neglecting yourself?

What can you do about it?