Last year was the year of practicing self-care for me. I’ve never been one to embrace the idea of self-care. I don’t really like this term. It makes my eyes glaze over and I have a feeling it does the same to you. None the less, it is critically important for your well being. Call it what you want, but learn how to do it. I say I was practicing because I had no idea how to “care” for myself during times of stress. What did I need? What would work? I tried many different strategies and what I learned is that all of them have a place and purpose.
Self care can be:
Going to bed early
Saying no
Drinking green tea
Moving your body (notice I didn’t say exercise)
Telling your truth
Getting regular chiropractic adjustments
Showing your emotions
These are just some examples. Your self-care will probably look different. My point is, try something; anything! Here is why it’s important to start now.
I now realize that all that practice last year was in preparation for what is happening in my life right now. I am under pretty serious stress. I will avoid the details but it has to do with a close family member who is VERY ill.
Somehow, I am not breaking down. I’m functioning; and more than that, I am thriving. How???????
I am simply continuing my practice of self-care. I have never done this before in a time of stress. I am allowing my left-brain to have a rest. I am making things easy for myself. To my surprise, something cool is happening. My right-brain side is opening up and coming out.
What this means is I am full of ideas and creativity. I’m amazed that during this time I could even think about creating something new. That’s just it; I’m not thinking about it. I’m letting the left-brain, thinking part of me have a rest. I’m making it easy on myself. This has allowed the creative part to come out.
I’m amazed and delighted at the results of this self-care experiment. I wanted to share it with you because it just might have the same kind of effect in your life.
What kind of self-care can you add to your daily routine? Start small. Start easy. Vow to drink a cup of green tea every day. I’m not asking that you don’t drink coffee, just add a cup of green tea. It seems trivial but it may result in you adding more and more good things to your routine. Give it a try and see what happens.
What do you currently do to care for yourself? If you can’t answer this question, this is your wake up call to start today. Let me know what you do choose. Let’s share and help each other.
You may not be in a time of serious stress right now, but knowing life, you will be sooner or later. Set yourself up for success now and let me know how you’re doing it.
Vicki
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Wonderful write up. Congratulations on your self care. I’m so sad that you’re experiencing so much stress and that a family member is so ill. No fun at all. I would love to get together for a drink sometime soon. Let me know if you have time and energy for that.
I so admire you!
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