Self-care was more of a pampering activity for me. I wasn't thinking about it on a daily basis. 

In my early adult years, self-care was taking time to paint my nails or enjoy a long bubble bath. 

Once I had kids, self-care turned into watching a favorite movie after they went to bed or even going to the grocery store alone.

As the business (and joy) of raising a family ramped up, I sort of lost any commitment to regular self-care, or what I thought was self-care.

Sure, I had friends and hobbies which were self-care, but I mostly used comfort foods and TV as my default "self-care". You know, a bowl of ice cream and a good movie late at night. 

No judgement on any of this. I love ice cream and a good movie!

As I hit 40, and the changes that come with age, I realized I needed different types of self-care. As the weight gain and mood swings ramped up, I needed different ways to cope. I needed regular and varied self-care.

There are many different types of self-care:

Emotional

Mental

Social

Spiritual

Practical

Professional

When I am taking time for different types of self-care, I feel better able to navigate midlife changes. If I neglect self-care, I end up with too much ice cream eating and cranky evenings. 

How about you? Are you paying attention to your self-care on a regular basis? Do you think self-care is something that comes only when you have the extra time for it?

The key to midlife self-care is to form a habit around it.

Take small steps consistently in an area of self-care so you can experience all the positive results of doing it. 

How do you do that?

My 6 week program, Midlife Roadmap, gives you the tools and support you need to be consistent with any area of self-care you choose. Choose an area of self-care and take consistent action for 6 weeks so you can start to form a new self-care habit. Add a few new self-care actions to your routine. You don't have to ditch all the old ways, but give yourself more options.

Don't trudge through midlife changes without a simple system for making sure you get regular self-care in the midst of your busy schedule.

I'll help you achieve it, realistically!

Your Midlife Coach,

-Cathy