Do The Thing for YOU

I was talking with my coworker (and close friend), Aria, and we were talking about how we want to do more things for ourselves in the new year. We discussed how we need to prioritize doing things, even just one thing, each day–and to NOT feel bad about it.  

Aria is committed to walking a minimum of 10,000 steps every day for 100 days straight –and then she hopes to keep going! We talked about how that daily time is so critical to overall well being and parenting too. She shared that after she gets back from her walks, she always feels more patient with her kids and just is overall calmer. Walking is Aria’s thing.

I too like to exercise most days, ideally first thing in the morning to start the day. This could be walking or running outside or doing something in my basement with weights and a bike. Similarly I always feel in a better mood once I get in some movement and get the endorphins flowing. Something else I want to get back on track with is using my Calm™ App to meditate several times a week. Movement and mindfulness are my things. 

This conversation actually reminded me of a past podcast episode about parent mental health in which we talked about the need to care for ourselves with intention. We all should have something that is just for us. The to do list never fully goes away. The laundry is an endless cycle. Work emails, school updates, and text messages don’t need our attention the second they hit the inbox. So take the half or full hour to move, read, meditate, call a friend, bake–whatever makes you feel like you! 

What thing will you do for yourself this year? We would love to hear about it–email me at cdziembowski@dtownctc.org! Happy 2024!