4 tips for self-care, adapted

My advice to new parents is usually some variation of: 1) all parenting cliches are true, so pay attention to them, and 2.) just make sure they're fed, rested, cared for and have clean nappies. Everything else is easy after that.

The latter advice always elicits an eyeroll, as if it can’t be that easy. But it’s true, I say. Hence the first piece of advice. 

I finished the book “Sober Curious” the other day, and one of the things that’s stuck with me since is a similar idea adapted from shamanic societies. Think of it like self-care for your spirit/soul.

Basically, it’s like this: 

If you’re feeling disheartened, dispirited, or depressed, check in with yourself on these four things: 

• When is the last time you danced?
• When is the last time you sang?
• When is the last time you were enchanted by a story?
• When is the last time you found comfort in silence? 

That’s it. Simple but, it would seem, effective.

(Still though, it might not hurt to check in on those other things while you're at it: when did you last sleep and eat, are you thirsty and/or being cared for, and, of course, last but not least, is your butt clean?)