Self Care Sunday - Read A Book

This week for self care we are picking up a book. I finished reading "The Gifts Of Imperfection" by Brene Brown this week and it was fabulous. I highly recommend this book. 

I'm horrible for starting books and then stopping part way through and then I have 5 books going at one time. So this week I was determined to finish my book. Instead of watching t.v after the kids went to bed I opened my book and was finished in no time!

So this week, let's find that book we've been wanting to read. That book you've had on your list or that you've even already bought and it's sitting in a corner waiting for you to pick it up again. 

The thing about self care is that we actually have to set time aside to do it. When we say things like "I'll try to make some time" or "I'll get to it this week for sure". We are not actually setting aside that time. Which I am the master with when it comes to reading. I start a book and then say I'll pick it up my next down time....... You are laughing at me aren't you?

Sooooooo pick at least one day. After kids are sleeping or whatever and tell yourself you will not do dishes or turn on the t.v or whatever else you have on your 101 things to do list. (Tip: they will still all be there after anyways). Set a timer if you are really that worried.

Pour yourself a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy your book. Read the pages, feel the sensation of the paper or kikndle screen in your hands and get lost in the words of fantasy/inspiration/knowledge.

Tell me what book you are reading/plan to read!

Love

Jen, The Bithin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - Try A New Fitness Class

This week on my Facebook Page and Instagram I've been talking a lot about doing things outside of our comfort zones. Trying something new and bold and maybe even out of character. I even had a friend message me on Twitter about how she went out of her comfort zone and tried a hot yoga class and loved it. Maybe it's that fall air, but everyone seems to be ready to stir things up. I'm not much into astrology, but I'm sure there's  shift in some moons or something causing it! Ha ha.

So this, week's Self Care seemed fitting to be trying out a new fitness class. I will be trying to right about some local places here (leave me a comment here on on my media channels about where I should try!), but in the meantime I have a few great ideas. 

• You can head to your local gym. I personally may be so inclined to invite you to come to a World Health Club (ahem) and try a class. Or many. I love the variety from step classes, lifting classes, Zumba, yoga, spin, or kickboxing etc etc etc! 
• I also wrote this blog post about trying out a barre class at a local place called Xtend Barre, if you are wondering what that is all about. 
• At your local community league you might find Yoga, Zumba or Tai Chi. 
• Call up a martial arts dojo and inquire about a drop in class.
• Check out a Cycle Studio.
• Maybe try out a dance class!

Whatever you are thinking about trying, or have always wondered about, just try it this week. Jump with both feet in. Many places offer free classes for the first time or a special weekly drop in rate for first timers. 

To help maybe ease the anxiety, see if a friend or family member want to go with you. I bet you more people than you think have been wondering what pole workouts are all about. 

Also.... let's think about using wording like "I need more practice" and "this is a new way to move my body" then the usual things that come out of our mouths like "I suck at this" or "I'm out of shape". It's self love people, not a new way of finding self hate. We get enough of that, don't ya think?

Definitely come back and tell me how it went! Send me a message on my FB, Twitter or IG! I'd love to hear how you took a step outside of your comfort zone. 

Love,

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - Acupuncture

This week for Self Care Sunday we are talking about acupuncture. A little while back Andrea Wingrave from Acupuncture Edmonton and I put together THIS post, all about acupuncture and what it is.  I thought what a wonderful self care idea. Getting some acupuncture. 

Luckily most benefits cover acupuncture these days up to $500 or $1000 so in reality you aren't out anything if it isn't your thing. But really, it's going to be. 

The needles are sterile one time use needles. I know this is something people have expressed concerned about when I tell them about acupuncture. I was also worried I wouldn't be able to donate blood anymore, but turns out if they are sterile singe use then you still can. (Bonus!)

At first it seems a little intimidating thinking about the needles going in and/or staying in. But really after they go in and some minor adjusting to your comfort, you don't even feel them.

But here is the best part people..... you get a 30 minute nap. Yeah, the needles go in, adjust as needed and then you get 30 minutes all to yourself to relax on a soft comfy bed and have a heat lamp on your feet. Oh that glorious heat lamp. I need one for home. 

Now whether or not you are sure if you "believe" in acupuncture working or not, the relaxing time spent in the room and you taking time for yourself is a huge step toward tapping into that parasympathetic (rest and digestion) cycle of the body. This is truly self care. Calming down, unwinding and finding time for yourself. 

Oh and before I forget.... you get a head massage at the end.... *drooooool*

So a few tips for heading to the acupuncturist. 

• Maybe find a referral from a friend. I love friends that tell me about professionals they love and why, that way I sort of know what to expect. 
• Wear loose fitting clothing. That way pant legs can be rolled up if access is needed to the knees etc. 
• They will have music but honestly I think this relaxation time would pair perfectly with a mediation podcast or yoga nidra recording on youtube. 
• Turn off your phone. Not on vibrate, You don't want to hear buzzing and crap as you are trying to relax. 
• I highly recommend booking an appointment in the evening so you can go to sleep after!

Have you ever seen an acupuncturist? Whats your favourite part?

Love, 

Jen the Bitchin' Housewife

Self Care Sunday - Tea Time

 Throughout the centuries tea has been a custom of calm, gathering, relaxation and tradition. 

Chinese tea ceremonies at weddings as an offering to parents and thanking them for raising them.

In Indian, chai tea can be found on every street corner.

In Morocca, mint tea is practically their national drink. 

Classic British afternoon tea time. (I always picture cucumber sandwiches and the Queen)

And in Russia "Zavarka" is tea time with a piece of cake. They called it "naked" if not eaten with cake. 

No matter where in the world, or what tradition, tea time is a time for oneself. A time to sit and enjoy this small pleasure or warmth when it's cool or cooling when it's hot. This is this weeks Self Care Sunday.

Take the time to go a tea store and browse, smell, ask questions about what teas are for different things. Possibly see if a friend sells tea through a direct sales business. (I love supporting local business and friends). Or even take some time in the tea aisle at the grocery store. I like to stand there and read all the interesting flavour mixtures companies have come up with. 

Set aside some time this week and plan it in your calendar. Yes, we are planning 30 minutes of relaxing tea time people. Maybe plan everyday at a certain time you take this 10-20, or 30 minutes to sit down with your tea. 

A few tips for your tea time:

• Turn off t.v''s or media if you can. Or be in another room if you are using it to distract your kids!
• Find your favorite mug. Everything is better in your favorite mug.
• Slow down and pay attention to all the sensations of drinking the tea. Notice the temperature as your mug touches your lips.  
• Is the tea bitter, sweet, sour? I love mint tea and I like the tingle left on my tounge long after the sip is gone. 
• Feel the warmth of the tea in the throat and belly. 
• Pay attention to the aroma.
• Sit quietly for a little while. Set a time if you are concerned about getting back to your busy day. 

How do you like your tea? sweet with sugar or honey? Smooth with cream or milk? 

My favorite is mint tea, black without sugar or milk. 

Love, 

Jen The Bitchin' Housewife