November is finally here and we’re rushing fast towards the end of the year. How is it going for you?
For me, I love November for different reasons:
- It’s the month of thanksgiving: There’s always so much to be grateful for and having a full month to focus deeply on thanksgiving is a bonus.
- It’s my planning month: I usually plan for the next year at the end of November.
- It’s one of my 3 self-care months.
This brings me to today’s question…
Do you have an annual self-care regime?
Many women struggle when it comes to prioritizing themselves.
I struggled for years before I realized that self-care is not selfish. It’s actually one of the most selfless things you’ll ever do for yourself!
When you make self-care and self-love a priority without going overboard, then you’re also able to be there for others in a positive and more empowering way.
My Doable Annual Self-Care Regime
Over the years, I’ve found that having an annual self-care regime keeps me focused so that this important aspect of my life doesn’t slip through the cracks.
There are 3 months in the year when I focus on self-care: February, July and November.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that these 3 months have the potential to make or break the year for me. So if I don’t pause and take care of myself, then life gets really hectic and tough!
My annual self-care regime is simple and replicable. I share it here to give you an idea of how you too can create one for yourself.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you only practice self-care in these specific months (or whichever months you choose for yourself). You still need to continue with the daily, weekly and monthly self-care regime you’ve already set.
Here’s what I do in February, July and November.
1. February: Self-Care Challenge
I’ve run the 28 Days of Loving Yourself Challenge every February since 2018. This is a powerful program that helps all participants (myself included) focus on our self-care and self-love.
The best thing about this challenge is that it comes after we’ve completed the back-to-school and back-to-work rush.
I’ve also found that by this time, many working mums are very aware of just how much they put themselves last in their loves. The challenge answers 3 specific questions that I’m sure you’ve also thought about:
- Do you feel as if you keep putting everyone before yourself?
- Have you lost out on me-time because you’re too busy with work and other commitments?
- Has overwhelm become a regular part of your life?
Finally, February is also the month of love. It gives me a boost to also know that I’m giving myself some love by having a specific self-care regime this month.
Feel free to join us in the next challenge. Click here to get updated when the challenge opens up for registration.
2. July: Mumcation
Since 2017, My sisters, Mum and I take a mumcation together in July. This is a whole week with no husbands or children allowed…and the fun includes our signature Mumcation drink?.
We missed the mumcation in 2020 but Mum and my sisters did 3 days in my sister’s home that year. Since Mum is getting old, we have to think of places near home so this year, they went for a 5-day retreat last week.
I missed out both times because of the COVID-19 lockdowns last year. Additionally, I’m diabetic and couldn’t travel without being fully vaccinated?.
On my side, I took a week off work in August last year and this year and did nothing but laze around, go to the beach, and hang out with the boys. While it wasn’t as relaxing as our regular mumcation, I got a break from work and put in some rest and relaxation.
The lesson for me in 2020 and 2021 is that the mumcation can work from wherever I am. While I did miss having my team with me these 2 years, the self-care regime was already well implanted in my mind and schedule. So it had to happen in whatever way was possible.
3. November: Weekday and Weekend Breaks
This is normally one of the busiest months for me so I can’t take an extended leave. Instead, I build in mini-breaks on Mondays and over the weekends. No planning, no work, and definitely lots of fun and laughter.
I also do my annual planning at the end of the month. So having the breaks puts me in a good frame of mind to evaluate the year, compare the results with my 3-year plan, and create a plan for the next year.
I generally avoid having these extended self-care days during school holidays because I’d be busy travelling or hanging out with my family and friends.
Over to you…
That’s an overview of the self-care regime I’ve developed for myself since 2017. As I said earlier, you don’t have to copy it as it, just use it as a guide and create something that works for you, your budget and your family situation.
Getting back to you…Do you have an annual self-care regime?
- When do you take it?
- What do you do within this time?
- Is it a solo regime or do you include other people?
If you don’t have an annual self-care regime:
- Is this something you’d like to explore or do you think it’s a waste of your time, money and energy?
- How can you change things this month so that you prioritize your self-care in these last 2 months of the year?
I’d love to hear from you so please share your thoughts or experiences in the comments below.
(Image credit: Pexels)
