Friday 21 May 2021

Self Care (free and fast)


 


I've been a little down in the dumps lately so I decided to reward myself. I'm on this incredibly dull cholesterol lowering diet (which does have the upside of dropping the COVID kilos but it takes away one of my pleasures in life so I'm feeling very sorry for myself). 







So what mood lifting reward would work?

I took myself off for a few hours to see the
Sculpture Rocks exhibition and it did the trick. The sun was out and the sea sparkling. The art is fun and a lot is interactive with the scenery behind it or around it. I got a little exercise, sunshine and fresh air. The creative buzz really lifted my spirits and I felt right in myself again.

Best of all, other than transport, it was free.







The Bay Run or the Glebe Foreshore walk and talk with a friend is another mood lifter for me - exercise and venting (or just laughing and chatting as we charge around the harbour at a fast pace). Also free.

Reading my book in the bath. Can be squeezed in half an hour with no travel time. This is probably the best go to while water restrictions aren't an issue. And of course, free.


Linking with #FloralFridayFoto










If really pushed for time, then just smelling the flowers in the gardens I pass as I walk the dog. I can't tell you how much this lifts my mood. Roses and gardenias are my go to scents.

What are your self care tips?

Linking with  #OurWorldTuesday #FriendshipFriday and #ThruMyLens


27 comments:

  1. Roses are my favourite scents, too. I've only been to Sydney a few times, but have always loved it. The harbour is beautiful. (like all kiwis, Bondi really appealed!!) Thanks for commenting on my blog xxx (you-areunique)

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  2. I'll have to take a trip into the city and check it out.

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  3. I am happy you now feel liberated. Getting out before sunrise is good for my spirits and also avoids heat stress. They are not flowers, but the scent of ripening Mangoes fills our kitchen. High winds for the past 4-5 days have dislodged far more Mangoes than we will ever eat. We have been giving them away to friends and neighbors as quickly as possible. Leftovers are usually scooped out and frozen, but we still have quite a lot left over from last year.

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    1. Can you bag them up and give them to a refugee centre or charity?

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  4. Sunshine, friends, art and nature - they do it for me too. They always lift my spirits. All the best with your diet. I've made some changes to try and keep my weight under control too. For me it's intermittent fasting - two days per week of limited calories and the other days are pretty much normal. Have a great week!

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    1. Diets are the worst. I was pretty much anti weight loss diets but here I am on the worlds most boring diet anyway....but I have discovered weirdly satay sauce has no cholestrol so....that's a bonus

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  5. I can relate to your mood Lydia and also some of your tips - though I partake in some more than others. I sometimes find the idea of 'outings' or commitments (going to see / do something) just too overwhelming. And I know I need to fight that but don't do it as often as I should.

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  6. Taking time out to do something you enjoy as you have done, is perfect for self care. Sometimes we just need to step back a little #lifethisweek

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  7. The sculpture rocks sounds great Lydia, with the added bonus of a creative buzz - always a good thing! #lifethisweek

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  8. It's great to spend time alone, doing what you fancy, isn't it?#mischiefand memories@_karendennis

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  9. Nothing like a bit of sunshine and a few pretty things to lift the spirits Lydia - and why can't diet food taste better than non-diet food???

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  10. I too am a fan of reading in the bath (bonus if it's with a glass of wine,) and I love walking with the dog especially if it's near water, like the beach or the harbour. Often the simplest pleasures are the best.

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  11. Always find getting out in the fresh air helps to distract the mind. Looks amazing sculptures x

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  12. Getting outside takes me out of my head and that's why I value being so close to nature here. I too would do those walks if I lived as close as you do to the Harbour.
    Thank you for joining in Life This Week Link Up.
    I've just added another 10 optional prompts taking us to October!
    It's always good to see a blog post from you and I value your presence here. Denyse.

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  13. Recently I have found that my best self care comes in the form of getting outside and intentionally looking at the nature around me. The blossoms on trees for example has been giving me so much joy #MischiefandMemories

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  14. We are really lucky to live fairly close to the beach. If I'm feeling down, I always find a coastal walk lifts my spirits. The combination of the exercise and just being near the sea is definitely good for me. #KCACOLS

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  15. I have several baths a week to enjoy my books! Thanks for linking up with #MischiefAndMemories

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  16. These are great mood lifters! We haven't been able to get down to the beach for quite a while - which is our go-to place to bring back the smiles. But definitely getting out and about in the fresh air and sunshine is good for self care. Thank you for joining us for #mischiefandmemories

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  17. I know how depressing a restrictive diet can be so I feel your pain on that one! Glad you managed to find a few ways to boost your mood.

    Katrina x
    #KCACOLS

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  18. Can't beat a walk to clear your mind X #kcacols

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  19. Totally agree with you about smelling flowers - it's easy to forget how relaxing smelling certain scents can be :) Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS :)

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  20. All good tips, Lydia. I block time for my self-care, something for me every day. Thank you for linking with #weekendcoffeeshare.

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  21. Those were beautiful photos and glad you felt better. We definitely need self care

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  22. Lydia, these all sound like wonderful ways to incorporate self care into your daily routine! I do love a good walk out in nature either alone or with friends or family. It always boosts my spirit. A long bath with a good book is great, too! I do make sure to take time for myself every day because it is so important. Thanks for sharing and linking with me!

    Shelbee
    www.shelbeeontheedge.com

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  23. Rewarding your self with a little "treat" like this goes a long way. My husband and I go for a drive (an excuse to get coffee) just to have different scenery from everyday sights.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  24. Wonderful photos! The Sydney Opera House always takes my breath away. Walking in nature is always uplifting to me, as well as a little dark chocolate treat in the afternoon or a cup of herbal tea and a cookie or something I baked. Talking on the phone with a friend is always fun.

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  25. I like the composition of your photos. The outdoor art installations look interesting and I know I would enjoy seeing them. Walking always lifts my spirits whether it is in the countryside or a new walk in the city, there is always something to be for which to be grateful.

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