This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
It’s time to take your health into your own hands. Words to live by, truly. Words I have been trying to incorporate into my daily mantra for a while now. But like most things that involve putting yourself first, they can be pushed to the back burner more often then not.
Take self-care, for example. As our lives get busier, prioritizing self-care becomes increasingly more important, but how many of us give it the recognition it deserves. I think a lot of people think of self-care as practicing yoga, having a day at the spa or even spending quality time with friends. While these are all great ways to relax, there is so much more you can be doing!
The concept of self-care is about empowering individuals, families and communities to practice healthy habits, prevent disease and cope with illness or disability to achieve optimum health. Taking better care of ourselves by utilizing the products available to us not only helps Canadians lead healthier lives, it also alleviates strain on our healthcare system! Making a commitment to practice self-care has so many benefits – for the whole family!
That’s why Bayer, a global health products leader, is working to educate consumers on how Better Self-care for a Better Life can make a difference in quality of life, while improving healthcare sustainability.
Self-care is going to look different to each person, but I think you will find we have a lot in common. Let me share some of the self-care practices I engage in and after that, I would love for you to share some of yours!
Fancy Feet!
For as long as I can remember I have been getting pedicures. It was the one regular indulgence I allowed myself. It makes my feet and tootsies feel amazing! I recently added something new to my regime to not only help keep my feet feeling good, but my legs as well. It has been as easy as putting Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles into my shoes. The name says it all – massage. I have arthritis in my hips, which makes walking uncomfortable. The gel insoles help alleviate some of the pain so I can walk a bit further every time. 
Reading Room
I have always loved to read and had a huge collection of books growing up and well into adulthood. Than my responsibilities grew as our family did and I started to read less. It didn’t make sense to keep books not being used, so that lovely collection was given away or sold off. What a regret that was. In the past year or so I have started to read more often, usually with a cup of tea and a cozy pillow. It is like a mini vacation that allows me to escape into fantasy. Reading makes me feel calm and relaxed.
Nasal Knowledge
I have long been a sufferer of seasonal allergies, but I never knew when to expect them to sneak up on me. I could be having a conversation with co-workers one minute and the next, sneezing into a tissue while trying to stop my watery eyes from making me look like I had been crying for hours. Not knowing when to expect an “outbreak” was stressful and even affected my sleep. Thankfully Claritin has helped with that. I can take it in the morning and know that the non-drowsy formula won’t make me sleepy at the wrong time – making night time rests a lot better.
Puppy Power!
Ever since we got our sweet puppy Georgia, I can literally feel that I have less stress in my life. And I know that my husband and kiddos feel the same way. It has long been said that having a pet reduces anxiety and I truly believe that. A cuddle with your fur-baby makes the blues go away like nothing else. My husband routinely walks Georgia every evening and it has taken years off of him. Having a dog to come home to makes the entire family smile more. ♥
Power of Prayer
This is one of those self-care practices that may not be for everyone, but it definitely helps me. Some people find peace in meditating or writing their thoughts out in a journal, but I like to pray. I do it several times a day and it always make me feel at peace. I can feel my blood pressure leveling out and any stresses calmly going away. The power of prayer as a method of self-care can not be minimized.
Self-Care Day Challenge and Giveaway!
In support of International Self-Care Day on July 24th, I challenge you to share your self-care practices with me. To help get you started, Bayer has created a self-care calendar with one tip for each day of the month. You can use these every month or create some new ones! (click to download the pdf for yourself!)
I will also be giving away ten $15 Amazon gift cards so you can purchase your favourite self-care products! In celebration of Self-Care Day, Bayer is running a Buy 3 and save $10 promotion through Amazon.ca on most of their brands.
To enter, all you have to do is share how you practice self-care, tag @MapleMouseMama and use #SelfCareDay for your chance to win! You can use the tag on both Twitter and Instagram! To be eligible to win just complete the Rafflecopter below. Open to Canadian residents only, excluding Quebec. Come back every day for extra entries! This giveaway ends on July 31st, 2018 at 11:59pm EST. Good luck!
So tell me, how do you practice self-care? Share with us in the comments.
FT&PD
Suz
This post is sponsored by Bayer. To make sure these products are right for you, always read and follow the label.
I take hot baths with Netflix on the laptop
I practice self care by taking time for myself by walking daily. I use Dr. Scholls in my sneaker for a more comfortable walk.
I take time to read a good book or two.
I put Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles in my walking shoes, listen to soothing music and enjoy a long relaxing shower before bed every night.
I put Dr. Scholl’s Massaging Gel Insoles in my walking shoes, listen to soothing music and enjoy a long relaxing shower every night before bed.
oooops sorry, my message was posted twice, please remove this one, thx!
I practice selfcare by taking a relaxing bath or reading a good book
#SelfCareDay I take a nice hot bubble bath, a glass of wine, some music on, candles & relax.
I like to take time to myself each day to read a book and go for walks or bike rides
I practice self care by taking a relaxing bubble bath!
Today I am practicing self care by relaxing and enjoying a hot cup of coffee.
I go for walks most evenings with my teen daughters to reconnect!
I take a little bit of time for just myself every day, to do things I like (like read a good book) or something for my health (mental or pysical) so important!
Self care for me means getting some time each day for recharging with my current novel.
I love to go for a walk most days, we have such a beautiful area and not only get some exercise and fresh air but clears my mind and helps me relax.
I practice self care by visiting my therapist every 2 weeks
I practice self care by taking hot showers every night!
I like to maintain an exercise regime and a well balanced diet. I treat myself sometimes. I think caring for well-being is good.
I take my sons dog for walks
I practice self care by reading romance novels, which I love and find it relaxing. I also love walking my dog whether it’s summer or the wretched w word and I know you know what the w word is especially if you live in Canada !
I take time to relax and to get plenty of exercise. In the summer I go swimming and I make sure I am always wearing sunscreen.
I self care by meeting up with friends, the occasional massage, and by making time to read every day.
https://twitter.com/sbabij/status/1022107919666634753
I love a hot bath
I take time to read a book and a cup of tea
I don’t practice #SelfCare very often but when I do I go for coffee with a friend, phone someone to talk, Scrapbook.
I practice self care with a relaxing bath and reading a book.
#SelfCareDay I love Aquafit and walking. I eat well and take vitamins! I also love reading!
2:38 PM – 25 Jul 2018
I practice self-care by baking and going running outside.
I take a daily vitamin and attend chair yoga classes #SelfCare
self care for me it getting outside hiking, walking with hubby, and most of all reading
I drink lots of water and either excercise or participate in an activity at least 5 days a week.
Spending ME TIME outdoor enjoying the breath of fresh air to meditate and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Self-care for me is usually int he form of quiet time – I have a stressful job in hospital, so taking half hour of my lunch hour alone to read a little is a good stress reliever for work and home!
I try to get a good night’s sleep
My favourite way is to take a hot epsom salt bath before bed.
@MapleMouseMama #SelfCareDay I take a walk everyday for an hr – all year round
I try and practice self care by choosing to eat healthy foods daily!
I practise self care by exercising in my pool to sat fit. I also like to go biking and to garden so I use a lot of Coppertone sunscreen.. I also use a lot of Bayer Extra strength aspirin to help my joint pain. #SelfCareDay
Taking time out for myself to play on my computer.
I practice self care by getting a mani/pedi
I still do jigsaw puzzles to relax.
One way I practice self-care is by going to the gym. I get 1.5 hours of child-care with my gym membership so I get a bit of me time that is good for both my physical and mental states.
I like to turn my music on and even dance around a little!
I self care by enjoying a hot bath.
I practice self care by staying up just a little later than anyone else to enjoy the quiet me time.
I like to take a bubble bath in the evening.
https://twitter.com/LILLIANMB23/status/1024337568710774788
I soak in a warm epsom salt bath and read a book.
I like to practice self care by spending some time in the garden.