What are you doing for self care today?

Having lunch with an old school friend today, known each other for 57 years! Really looking forward to it.

I may need to look into this matt!

Today I found canning jars in stock at a store, so I bought a few to replace the ones I used the last month wit the apples and peaches and set about putting some dried foods in them.

My garden is overflowing with tomatoes, I will be canning those soon as well.

Winter will be here soon enough and I would rather not go out often so having canned foods will fit the bill.

I can fall asleep on anything. And I’m chuffed that I seem to have found a way of supposedly doing something healthy by just sleeping.

I cannot believe you can fall asleep on it

Lying on a cheese grater sounds like fun!!!??

and yet you fell asleep on it

It is like lying on a cheese grater….

"I've just peeled myself off it" ooh I'm not sure if I want one now or not MayBee.

Madgran77

Maybee70 I am wondering about buying a Muscle Mat. There is such a huge range in price though and trying to decide whether it is worth paying more or not. As you say you are unsure whether yours is moderate or severe I assume you did not buy the more expensive one, more a basic set ...which from what you describe appears to be working for you? I am thinking of getting one to try!

Like you I do a lot of walking (also cycling) but muscle building exercise doesn't happen so much really!

The Shakti mat seems to be the most expensive but it’s longer than the cheaper ones. And you have to buy the pillow separately. I haven’t really used the pillow yet because my back is a bit curved and I’m trying to lie flat on my back. I bought The Muscle Mat. It was £35 which was delivered 2 days later. I saw one much cheaper but you had to sign up to something and it sounded a bit fishy. I bet they all come from the same manufacturer. I’ve just peeled myself off it having fallen asleep again. I’m going to try using it as a back rest when I’m watching telly but will obviously be wearing clothes then!

I use dumb bell bars so I can increase/decrease he weight depending on the exercise I'm doing. The bars without adding weights are quite weighty if you know what I mean.

I suggest you get some dumb bells in incremental weights starting with the lightest. They're more comfortable to hold if you're not used to them.

You can use cans of baked beans for example or bottles of water which might be a good idea to begin with so you don't end up spending money until you're sure you like working with them.

What weight do you use Smileless Thinking of buying some of those too!

A muscle mat, that sounds interesting. You'll have to let me know what you go for and how it's working out. You can be my guinea pig Madgran.

I do do muscle building exercises with free weights which I really enjoy. It's funny how regular exercising makes you feel more energised but it does.

Maybee70 I am wondering about buying a Muscle Mat. There is such a huge range in price though and trying to decide whether it is worth paying more or not. As you say you are unsure whether yours is moderate or severe I assume you did not buy the more expensive one, more a basic set ...which from what you describe appears to be working for you? I am thinking of getting one to try!

Like you I do a lot of walking (also cycling) but muscle building exercise doesn't happen so much really!

Maybee thank you! Very interesting

I'm enjoying what looks like our next door neighbours in the process of moving out. They have really been a pain and won't be missed by anyone in the cul-de-sac. Other than that im just chilling out of the sun. Very hot here atm but rain is on its way.

VioletSky

I'm quite interested in the muscle mat Maybee That's the acupressure mat? Can you tell me a bit more?

I used to do a lot of yoga etc until I got ill with Graves. I've lost a lot of muscle and it's done damage to my joints. I'm feeling a lot better in myself with treatment, most of my symptoms have gone except I still stutter and my joints are awful. No strength in them, always clicking and grinding. I've got a long wait for hospital at the moment to look into it properly. Trying to find at home help for myself.

I’ve never had any done but I’ve always been interested in acupuncture etc. The more expensive mats can be bought in different degrees of prickliness so I don’t know if the muscle mat is severe or moderate. I lay on it on the floor wearing a t shirt and nodded off . I then put it on the bed and tried it without a t shirt, did a relaxation tape and, again nodded off. It did make my skin go really red and I do have sensitive skin so I was a bit worried but the redness went away. The more expensive one is longer and you have to pay more for the pillow. Put it this way, I’m pleased that I bought and it might just be a bit of a placebo effect but I do feel quite good after using it. I think I’ve lost a lot of muscle since I stopped going to the gym because of covid. I did do plenty of walking but that doesn’t really develop muscle. It really is very prickly, though!

Just booked myself a pedicure.

Self care, for me, is making sure I have at least one, and usually two, long walks every day. Having an active dog really helps with that. I feel so much fitter (and calmer) when I spend time outside.

I really need a sense of purpose and achievement too, so I do a little 'work' daily (maybe just an hour) before indulging in hobbies. I'll bargain with myself 'Clean one window and then read that book!'.

I treat myself too. Yesterday, two ice lollies (it was hot), today I'm making peanut butter almond cookies - all healthy stuff, apart from the maple syrup. Maybe I'll make half a batch, as I'm bound to eat them all.

I'm quite interested in the muscle mat Maybee That's the acupressure mat? Can you tell me a bit more?

I used to do a lot of yoga etc until I got ill with Graves. I've lost a lot of muscle and it's done damage to my joints. I'm feeling a lot better in myself with treatment, most of my symptoms have gone except I still stutter and my joints are awful. No strength in them, always clicking and grinding. I've got a long wait for hospital at the moment to look into it properly. Trying to find at home help for myself.

I used my new muscle mat last night and this morning and felt really energised (well, energised by my standards).

I made my coffee weaker than usual, and threw out a pack of withered mushrooms.

Did all the ironing, while DH busy hoovering. Now having a sit down.

I'm taking inspiration!

Nap after work for me. I'm getting too overtired to sleep in the evening

Yes, that's right, Whitewave. I understand how your mum felt. It does control your life. Thunder makes me feel really ill, with a violent headache. Yesterday however, the promised storms didn't happen, not in this part of Devon anyway.
They are now threatened for today, so another day of hiding.

Well I've had a satisfying day catching up with garden and indoor jobs. I can relax now knowing they are done. In a very few minutes I'm off down the garden, into the shade to soak up some vitamin D whilst consuming a deliciously cold gin and tonic.