It’s the time of year where everything gets crazy with family and running around trying to get ready for the holidays. It’s easy, this time of year especially, to put ourselves last, to put our health last, even to put our sanity last.
What I have come to realize is that it is OK to take that time for yourself. In fact, it’s necessary to recoup and to take care of your physical and mental health. In fact, without self-care you really get to the point where you cannot help anyone. You become helpless, worn down and exhausted. I think it is important to take either a little time each day or for sure an hour each week (if not more…) to make sure you are getting what you personally need.
There are many ways to take that time for yourself and it will be determining what works best for you and what your body needs.
I mention some of the ways that I personally have found to give myself and my body and mind the time it needs and deserves. They include:
Running. One of my favorite ways to recharge my mind and body. It gets me the exercise I desire but it also is the way in which I am able to truly clear my mind and work through any issues I am having. Running is my “me” time so I don’t enjoy running with others. I just need my music and feet pounding the pavement. (I learned it was ok to tell people that running was for me and that I didn’t want to run with them or do marathons or 5ks – they understood it.)
Another thing I have made as a priority for myself is a monthly massage. It’s an hour to get my muscles relaxed and to just enjoy. But it is also important with all my running that I do make sure to get my muscles taken care of to maintain a healthy body. As well massages help with blood flow through your muscles and limbs. The other day I got to do a spa day with my mom where I got to enjoy a seaweed wrap, a hot stone massage (both of which I highly recommend if you’ve never had them), and I got my first ever facial! (You guessed it I highly recommend one if you go to the right place). Doing this really refreshed my mind but it also gave my body the rejuvenation that my skin needed (and our skin is our biggest organ in our body and the most neglected at times). For you it may be taking time to soak in the tub with bubbles and a good book or getting a manicure or pedicure. It doesn’t always have to cost money.
Among all of this I have found that watching what I am eating has been critical to how I feel and function. It’s making sure my body gets the nutrients it desires and craves. I feel better taking that extra time to eat healthy. Now don’t get me wrong I still enjoy a night out with my friends or a good piece of pizza but everything in moderation.
I have found that it is all about finding what really works for you for that “me” time to refresh and re-center.
You can ask yourself the following questions to help figure out what might be best for you:
- What could I do to give myself “me” time?
- What activities really relax me? Make me feel more at peace and relaxed?
- What little tweaks could I make to prioritize myself, even in the craziest of times?
Just food for thought! Remember you will do no one any good if you are sick, injured or heaven forbid dead at the extreme.
From my family to yours I wish you a Happy Holidays & Happy New Year! I hope you take the time to enjoy your family and friends.
I will see y’all in 2018!
