On Tuesday, I celebrated my 61st Birthday! I am so excited and truly blessed!
Hey, if you wish, you can buy me a cup of coffee to celebrate all month!
Each year, hubby and I head over to a local park for a photo shoot and here are a few of the pictures,
As a wife of 32 years, a mother of 2 sons, ages 30 and 26 and a retired freelancer I get stressed, but I am also blessed so I wanted to take time on this episode to remind you to take care, self care and de-stress because we only get one go round and there are no do overs. So whether or not you are working a 9-5 and have a side gig or are a freelancer or even retired, remember that self care is not selfish and here are a few tips on how to be more aware of self-care and don’t forget to share this with someone else because sharing is caring!
In this world filled with anger, anxiety and angst; remote working, remote education; the COVID19 pandemic / polio and MonkeyPox many of us are neglecting our self care which could be negatively impacting our health and well-being – cutting our lives short.
Yes, our lives are stressful; we have jobs to do, responsibilities to fulfill, and people who depend on us, and now more than ever, we’re facing uncertainties that put us under strain, and as podcasters, there’s also the added pressure to continually create valuable content, to put out weekly or bi-weekly high-quality episodes, promote and market your show, and connect with your audience. It can be a lot!
This episode of the Delaware Blogger Podcast, I shared a few self-care tips that will hopefully help you and (your podcast) feel great and help you to function at your best level, so you can feel good both mentally and physically.
When you feel good, you’ll share good energy, and you and your podcast will benefit from it!
1. Get Enough Sleep
One of the best ways to take care of your physical and mental well-being is simply to make sure you consistently get enough sleep. If your podcast is a hobby or side hustle, you most likely pay attention to it after everything else that needs your attention has been taken care of.
You have probably done your 9-5, taken care of family’s needs and then you are online late into the evening/nights weekends and holidays especially if you’re just starting out.
You should however, not make this the norm with a lot of late nights because sleep is important as it’s the time when our bodies restore our energy levels, as well as the fact that quality sleep gives our bodies the time to heal and repair.
When we get enough sleep, we have the energy to accomplish our tasks and the emotional capacity to successfully navigate challenges which includes working on the podcast. Make sure you get the right pillow, linens, mattress and set the right temperature for a restful sleep and turn off the tv and smartphone…even put it in another room.
2. Nourish Your Body
If you want your car to run efficiently, you fill it with quality gas. The same is true for our bodies. Our bodies are, essentially, high-powered, intricate machines, which we need to take care of if we want them to endure and function at their optimal level.
Whether it’s your podcast or blog that needs your attention or your other responsibilities that you’re handling, you need to make sure that you have fueled your body that gives you the stamina you need to get all jobs done, and done well.
When you’re busy, choosing “easy” snacks over what’s nourishing for your body is also not a good idea – quick is not always good.
Try to keep a bottle of water at your desk to sip on throughout the day to ensure you’re hitting your daily water quotient, which is between 9 and 13 cups of water.
Prepare healthy meals or snacks in advance, that way, when the munchies hit, you’ve got some healthy options ready and waiting and will give you the energy boost you need to keep performing at your peak.
Related read: Sitting is the new Smoking
3. Exercise Regularly
Walking, cycling, treadmills and lifting weights is another way you can practice some self-care is to make sure you exercise regularly. Finding the time to fit in regular exercise amongst your other responsibilities can be a challenge
Start with a weekly schedule and put it on your calendar (8:00-9:30 meditation and walking) and work exercise into your daily routine, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can fit in!
Exercise gives off endorphins, which make you feel good and who doesn’t need to feel good these days? When you feel good, you do good and it will be noticeable in your social media feeds, podcasts and blogs. Exercise makes you feel more energized and positive.
You will be able to transmit that positivity to your podcasts and posts.
4. Create some “Me Time”
Remember, self care is not selfish and with the day to day chores and more you need to take care of yourself – so schedule some “me time” to rewind, relax and rejuvenate.
Now, your “me time” activity may be your podcast or blog but make sure you are enjoying it and it’s not becoming an overwhelming chore that you don’t look forward to, even if you’re podcasting as a hobby.
Light a scented candle, run a hot bath or shower with stress reducing body wash, make a cup of tea or coffee, pour a glass of wine and curl up with your favorite book for an hour, exercise, journal – anything that allows you that time your mind and body need to debrief, recharge, and build your energy levels up again.
5. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones
Don’t forget to shut down and spend some quality time with the people you love. Isn’t it great that spending time with loved ones is good for us?! Put down the Smartphone, tablet or laptop and spend quality time with those people we love which not only strengthens our bonds, but it also helps us to feel grounded and connected – more good hormones get released and it’s good for our mental and emotional health.
Whether it’s ensuring that you spend dedicated time with your family each day, or taking time to call or video chat with loved ones far away, especially our elders who are stuck indoors during the pandemic quarantine.
6. Listen For Enjoyment
Whether you are a full time podcaster or it’s just a side gig or hobby, it can be very easy to get caught up in creating our own show that we forget to sit back, relax and discover others.
So why not check out the podcasting platform directors to find a show or two that are simply for enjoyment, entertaining or inspirational
In addition to listening to your own show – you know that you do, why not take some time each week to simply listen to those podcasts you love.
There are so many various types of shows including true crime and mystery, fiction and fantasy shows, allow yourself the time to enjoy just listening to an episode or two, and get lost in shows that you love.
After all, that’s probably what got you into starting your own podcast show in the first place. Create a playlist of your favorite shows then take the time to sit back and just enjoy them or listen while you are exercising.
Self Care is not selfish and everyone can afford to do it because the alternative is not worth it.
You only get one go round and if you want to stick around for a long time to leave a legacy with your voice then you will need to take some time to shut your body down!
Relax – Relate – Release!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, if you click to make a purchase I will receive a percentage of the cost, however, there will be not additional fees accessed to you – thank you!
