As I sit here at the airport waiting to make my way to my final destination, I decided to capitalize on free time to share information that may be helpful to many with whom I am connected.
The topic of ‘ME-time’ is underrated and underutilized in many circles. Instead, it is touted in our society as being a phenomenal person if you can juggle many tasks at once. Often times, we find ourselves doing so many things at once out of sheer necessity and not voluntarily. In order to give yourself as an employee, family, friend, church member on a consistent basis, at times you find yourself having very little time for just YOU!
This is simply not a trend that must continue. As a health care provider, I enjoy establishing rapport with my patients. Many of them have chronic diseases and poor health directly related to their lifestyle choices. One of these poor choices is lack of stress management. In America, we are stretching ourselves too thin. Always connected to our electronic devices, feeling as though we cannot delegate most tasks, reducing sleeping time to get more done in a day, skipping our workout routines to a lot time to finish other seemingly more important chores, and so many other travesties too numerous to count.
As I am studying to become a health and wellness coach – I am realizing how importance self-care is to have balance. It is normal to feel a bit guilty when you pause and take a breath just for yourself instead of for someone else. As long we live, there will always be chores, errands, and work related things to pull on our time. However, how much more efficient, creative, and pleasant one will be if they can give the best version of themselves to the people depending on them.
The best way to do this is to attempt to get proper rest, develop a pattern of meditation, get rid of toxic relationships, establish a regular exercise routine, explore things for which you feel passion.
Reading my favorite magazine, Vibrant Life, it is noted that just 6 minutes of reading a book or newspaper reduces stress levels by 2/3 (1). Additionally, people who have a spiritual life are less likely to suffer from depression (1). Other ways to decrease stress include spending time in nature, getting massages, having lunch with a dear friend or family member. This list is exhaustive but it is important to be mindful as you think of things that invoke feelings of calmness or peacefulness. These activities do not have to be lengthy to be effective as studies show just taking a few deep breaths can invoke a decrease in stressful emotions.
As I conclude this edition of my blog post, I share a photo of me and some busy friends engaging in a virtual 5k this past Sunday. The fellowship was exhilarating and the activity was restorative and purifying, as we had to complete the race in the rain. It was a great event and all who participated were grateful for the experience. Find ways to be YOUR best YOU!
(1) Johnson, Rachel. “A Spa of Your Own: How to create a Relaxing Health Spa Experience at Home.” Vibrant Life March/April 2016: 26-29.