When I was a kid I thought that being an adult meant that I could do whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I thought that being an adult was a free pass to live my life free of responsibility and obligations. I know I said the phrase “When I grow up I’m never going to (insert chore or responsibility here)” numerous times throughout my childhood and adolescence. Even though I am in my late 30s, married with three kids there are still times I look around the room, searching for the adult to turn to for guidance, only to realize I am now the adult. Scary. Adulting is not all its cracked up to be. In fact if adulting had a yelp page, it would probably have like two stars. With that being said, adulting does have a place in this self-care series, its called practical self-care. But if I’m being honest with you, it’s just adulting.

Practical self-care (adulting) are activities, tasks or responsibilities that contribute to daily functioning. This means doing all of the things that allow you to complete all your obligations. This is not the fun side of self-care. Up until this point I have been giving suggestions like go for a hike or get a massage or hang out with your friends. Practical self-care are the things we have to do and usually the things we HAVE to do are not the things we want to do, nor are they the things we look forward to do.

Below is a list of adulting activities, none of these are glamorous but they are necessary. These types of activities can allow use to experience less stress once completed. Its also not uncommon that the activities you see below are ones we know are good for us to do, just starting them or stick to a consistent schedule is hard to do.

When choosing a self-care activity to incorporate into daily life, its best to start small. Choose one thing on this list and start off by doing it once a week. If that is enough for you great, keep it there. If you find you may need more perhaps your practical self-care activity needs to happen each day or once a week. Whatever you choose and whenever you choose to do it, your self-care activity should be something that replenishes you, so you are able to get back to your daily functioning and responsibilities.

I know you just read through this whole article. Your brain may be throbbing right now. So here are the main take aways, to carry with you:

• Practical self-care (adulting) are activities, tasks or responsibilities that contribute to daily functioning. This means doing all of the things that allow you to complete all your obligations.
• Practical self-care are the things we have to do and usually the things we HAVE to do are not the things we want to do, nor are they the things we look forward to do.
• These types of activities can allow use to experience less stress once completed. Its also not uncommon that the activities you see below are ones we know are good for us to do, just starting them or stick to a consistent schedule is hard to do.

I appreciate you taking the time to read this post, as I’m just trying to offer a few words of wisdom in a complex world. I hope you found it helpful or maybe you are already doing all of what I suggested, and it just feels good to feel affirmed. Life is hard and I am here to help. I offer individual therapy services to help you in this journey called life. If you would like to set up a time to chat my contact information is below.

Jennifer Bailey, LCSW & RDT

jbaileytherapyservices@gmail.com

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