How do you make time for self-care? – Not a bad question for this Tuesday morning.

It wasn’t the priority it should have been. To be honest, some of my life I’ve been poor at it. I made stupid choices like smoking for a few years. Early in life I pounded alcohol like there was no tomorrow. I got a grip on that in my mid 20s thanks to my better half. And being a child of the 60s and 70s there were probably a few substances ingested.

I’ve been overstressed most of my life. Not enough me-time before I retired. Spent far too many decades overworking. Sleep has been an issue, the lack of it being the problem which has plagued me all my life. Being active and having healthy relationships I’m much better at.

So here is what I make time for now:

I weigh myself every day. It keeps me from getting too out of control. I try to stay at a target weight but allow myself a few pounds but never more than 5. I know people say don’t weigh yourself so often but that is the only way I have found to stay at a healthy weight.

Seeing a doctor often has been routine most of my life. It’s saved my life a few times already. Two nasty cancers were caught early enough and other things adjusted to healthy levels with meds.

I get vaccines and flu shots and whatever else my doctor recommends.

Staying challenged by working at my hobbies, which also provides satisfaction.

Mental health is still a challenge. Always has been. Should have sought some professional help throughout the years upon reflection.

I do like having time to myself early in the morning hours. Music, hobbies, relaxing, understanding thoughts and feelings. Sometimes great joy and other times deep sadness.

Oh yeah, one of my favorite self-care items. The top down, manual transmission, rear wheel drive and dry roads. Unfortunately, it’s raining so my therapy remains under cover.