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Self care that sticks: 3 practices to try

How to start a self-care plan that sticks

A lot of self-care advice is focused on lists of things to do. But before we jump into list making, it can be helpful to remind ourselves of self-care essentials: compassion for ourselves, knowing our boundaries, and bringing that sense of awareness with us as we approach the world.

We can use mindfulness to help us develop these essentials, as well as to build one of the most important habbits in self-care: to listen to our mind and body. If we speak to and treat ourselves gently and with kindness for whatever we need in that moment, we can be more honest with ourselves about what self-care ideas support us best. By approaching ourselves without judgment and practicing self compassion, we might realize the self-care we’ve enjoyed in the past may not be helpful this time around. On the other hand, we might never have been drawn to certain self-care ideas until this very moment.

There are a few more basics that are fundamental to our well-being: eating, resting, and moving our body. Especially in diffcult times these essential practices are all the more important to help us feel our best. If we’re not starting from a healthy place, we can’t move on to discover new self-care practices that may benefit us. So maybe today, that means we need to work on one of these key areas first: focusing on mindful eating to take the time to be present while we nourish our body; ensuring that we’re getting enough rest, both when we close our eyes at night and when we recognize that our body needs a break; and exercising if and how we’re able to, whether that’s regular workouts or stretching at home.

If we’re set with the fundamentals, that’s reason enough to celebrate an important self-care practice that we’ve already established. And if we’re ready to add more, the care can continue.

3 self-care practices to try

Remember the “self” in self-care. We each come to it with our own perspective, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all kind of practice. Still, we can try these self-care ideas if we’re looking for a place to start experimenting until we find what works for us.

  1. Meditation.

Yes, it’s an obvious one, but it’s worth a reminder if it’s not already part of our self care practice, or what we consider to be self-care. The benefits of meditation are well-known: reduced stress and anxiety, and increased focus and positive emotions. So when we sit in the present moment without judgment, we’re also taking time to care for our mind and in turn, ourselves.

  1. Play.

Many of us lose a sense of fun and play as we grow older, but it can be freeing and even connected to imporved physical health. research also shows that laughing is linked to reduced stress, tension, and anxiety, suggesting that it’s a valid form of self-care all on its own.

  1. Gratitude.

The simple act of writing one or two things we’re grateful for each day can help us avoid getting caught up in life’s frustrations, and recognize instead that we’re grateful for all that we do have. We might also find that when we take the time to make gratitude a part of our self-care routine, we can be grateful for that routine itself.

So where do we go from here? All that’s left is to try, taking our time to experiment with different forms of self-care until we establish a practice that works for us. 

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We’re open this Melbourne Cup Day and ready for action! Whether you want to splash around or get in a workout , we've got you covered. 🏋️‍♀️☀️

Tuesday 5 November Hours: 
Centre: 7am – 7pm 
Waterslides: 10am – 6pm 
Café: 8am – 5pm 
Childcare: Closed 
PARC Swim: No lessons 
Group Exercise: Reduced timetable — book your spot via the Customer Portal 

PARC Plus: Keep up your routine over the long weekend with our on demand digital Fitness Platform, PARC Plus. Learn more here: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/parc-plus/ 

Come down for some public holiday fun! We can’t wait to see you in the Centre! 🌊🏃‍♂️ 

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Get ready to lace up, PARC fam! The Seaford Wetlands Fun Run is back on Sunday, 24th November! 🌿🏃‍♀️ Whether you're walking, jogging, or running, this event has something for everyone—choose from 2km, 5km, or 10km courses through the beautiful Seaford Wetlands. It’s the perfect way to get active while helping raise funds for Rotary Peninsula 2.0! 🌟 

Plus, our PARC trainers will be there with our stretching station to help you warm up before the race and our PARC Swim team will have fun water safety activities for the kids! 💪🚶‍♀️ 

Don’t miss out, early bird pricing ends on Saturday 2 November. Register today! 

Register here for the fun run by hitting the link in our bio.

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Get Active Kids Vouchers - round 8 application are now open

The Get Active Kids voucher program is a Victorian Government initiative to assist families with the costs of participation in sport and active recreation activities, like swimming lessons. Eligible children may receive up to $200 to cover the costs of PARC Swim memberships. 🏊‍♀️

Vouchers can be used for PARC Swim memberships, Aquatic Access membership (no lessons) or a PARC Active Kids, Youth or Teen membership.

Head online to find out more and see if you're eligible.

Active Kids: https://service.vic.gov.au/services/apply-for-get-active-kids-voucher/home
PARC: https://parc.peninsulaleisure.com.au/news/active-kids-vouchers/

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PARC is proud to sponsor the Frank to Schanck 3-day, 60km adventure challenge with The Women's Spirit Project, happening 15–17 November 2024. 🌿✨ 

This amazing, non-competitive event is all about building connections, confidence, and life skills for women of all abilities as they walk through the stunning Mornington Peninsula. 💪👟

🌟 It’s your last chance to join this incredible journey, so if you're up for the adventure, don’t wait - registrations close this week!

Click the link to sign up 👉 https://womensspiritproject.org/frank-to-schanck-walk-2024/

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Don’t miss out on our delicious Friday treat—just two more weeks to indulge in our Seniors Month Café Special! 🎉 For only $7, enjoy a freshly baked scone with jam and cream, paired with a perfectly brewed small coffee. It's the perfect way to catch up with friends or unwind after your swim or workout! 🌸

But hurry—this tasty deal is while stocks last, so be sure to get in quick! 🍽️

📅 Fridays Only—mark your calendar and treat yourself to this yummy special while it’s still on!

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Celebrate National Children's Week with a fun day for under 5s! 🥳 

Join us on Wednesday, 23rd October at McClelland Sculpture Park, where our PARC Swim Team will be running exciting, interactive water safety activities for kids as part of Frankston City Council's Children’s Week Celebration Event! 🌊👶 

This year’s theme is “Children have the right to a clean and safe environment,” so we’ll be teaching how to stay safe around water through fun activities, rescue scenarios, giveaways, and more! 

Bring the little ones for a day of fun, learning, and excitement! 

📅 When: Wednesday, 23rd October 
📍 Where: McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, 390 McClelland Dr, Langwarrin VIC 3910 
⏰ Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm 

The event is free but numbers are limited so please RSVP via the link in our bio. 

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Are you an adult who’s never quite found the time or opportunity to learn to swim? 🏊‍♀️

Expressions are open for our fully funded adult beginner swim program. 

Now’s your chance! PARC is excited to invite you to our More People Can Swim adult intensive program – a fully funded, 5-week intensive course tailored for beginners, running this November and December 2024. 

This program is designed for adults (18 years and over) who have little to no swimming experience and want to develop essential water safety skills. Over the 5 weeks, you’ll build your swimming confidence, learn safety and rescue techniques, and enjoy full access to our aquatic facilities at PARC and Pines to practise and play.

To learn more or to complete an Expression of Interest, visit our website through the link in our bio.

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