Self-Care and Why We Need It

By Theresa Cannizzaro, Respiratory Therapist

2 min read

The term “self-care” has become quite a buzzword in recent times and I am a huge fan of it. Self-care is literally taking time to care for yourself. We live in a day and age where we seem to constantly be on the go and we often forget or just don't take the time to care for ourselves. Here are a few ways that I practice self-care.

Hobbies

Doing something you enjoy is so therapeutic. There are several hobbies that I enjoy including crochet and making fancy greeting cards. I also love to play guitar and that has been a constant in my life for the past 21 years. A new hobby I recently started is hand dyeing wood flowers and making arrangements for my family and friends.

Relaxation

Taking the time to relax is very beneficial to not only our bodies but also our mind. I love to take naps, even if it is just a short catnap in the afternoon when I have 30 minutes to myself. Relaxing might mean watching your favorite television show or sitting outside in a lawn chair on a beautiful day. Yoga is another great way to ground yourself and get in purposeful movement at the same time. Relaxing in a warm bubble bath with a good book is also at the top of my favorite ways to relax.

Journaling

Whatever is on my mind

I have kept a journal for many years. While I don't keep up with it as often as I would like I still really enjoy it when I take the time to sit and write in it whatever is on my mind. Something I recently started writing down is “5 things that don’t suck” whenever I am feeling anxious or down.

Gratitude and struggles

Keeping a gratitude journal is extremely helpful. Whenever I am not feeling myself or am stuck in a bad mood due to my circumstances, I can look back and realize all of the things I am grateful for. While I do try to keep my journal upbeat, I do write down my struggles as well which is also good to look back on and see how far I’ve come and what I did to overcome that particular issue.

Spend time with loved ones

Getting together with friends and family is a wonderful way to lift spirits. If you are unable to meet in person, pick up the phone and have a nice chat that way. Writing letters is an almost forgotten form of communication but is something I like to do and receive as well. There will always be that excitement when I open up my mailbox to find a handwritten letter from a friend that I can’t wait to read and write back!

Being intentional

When dealing with chronic lung illness we often find ourselves spending all of our time and energy to keep breathing. Add on our daily responsibilities of work, family, and home and it can leave us with not much time for ourselves. Being intentional in carving out time for self-care can make a world of difference in how we feel both within our bodies and our minds.

What are some ways that you practice self-care?

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Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
Great article! Self Care is so important and we all need to remember to do that for ourselves. Best, Jackie (moderator)
jgpf Member
jgpf air quality here is very bad because of forest fires. Can smell smoke even indoors; should I wear a mask in the house?
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="jgpf" user-id="4134058"/> Hi again, jgpf, and thanks for this post too! Many community members have shared their own personal experiences managing the air quality that is being generated by these wild fires in different parts of the country. Many of them have spoken of keeping doors and windows closed and utilizing their air conditioning systems with filters and sometimes, air purifiers. Do you think this would help you in your circumstances? All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
jgpf Member
jgpf have had 3 serious falls tripping over oxyen line.Possible permanent injury to left leg. Cannot bear weight. Anyone else had similar events? 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="jgpf" user-id="4134058"/> Hi jgpf, and thanks for your post. There has, in fact, been a lot of discussion here, as it relates to the length of oxygen supply tubing and the hazards associated with the lengthy hoses. I am hopeful others in the community will read of your concern and chime in with their own experiences. In the mean time, I thought you might want to look over this article, which addresses this very issue: https://copd.net/living/tangled-oxygen-line. I also thought you might have some interest in this material: <a href='https://copd.net/clinical/oxygen-tubing-length' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/clinical/oxygen-tubing-length</a>. In this article, our own John Bottrell speaks to the lengths of tubing used for supplemental oxygen therapy at home. I do hope you find this information is helpful for you in a practical way. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator COPD.net)