*Request
"3..2..1, 1..2..3- what the HECK is bothering me?!"- Carl Winslow's calming mantra from Family Matters in his attempt to calm himself down....
It's crazy how we go through our daily routines and forget to see ourselves... how tired we are, eyes looking puffy and dark-circled, body shutting down, or nerves being shot to Hell. Everyone else can see us, and we look CRAZY and angry majority of the time! I constantly have to be told to "sit down, don't pick up those clothes, close your eyes and don't look at your phone!" by my significant other (S.O.), and for my sake I heed what he says because I take on a lot, and I hear all the crazy stuff I say when i'm tired and run down.... not a pretty sight for a pretty lady. So, i'm writing this as a note to all busy women and men to let you know that you're not alone in this "hyper-busy" world, and I ask that you take more time to care for yourselves so you don't burn yourselves out. How? Well, here's some advice that was given to me, and a few things I've come across:
1. I'm not good with pills, but I'm doing better with taking multi-vitamins, Gingko, and a couple of women supplements to keep my energy going and my body fueled. My S.O. would be proud of me, because I would go for weeks forgetting to take them and he'd have to tell me "don't wait until something is wrong with you to start caring about yourself" every time I get sick or get wiped out! So, go to your local health food store or Pharmacy to see what works best for you and take them every day as prescribed!
2. My S.O. bought a Jack LaLane juicer so he can drink to a more healthier self, and invited me to join him. I have to admit, the fruit and veggie juices he makes are great and gave me more energy than coffee! Yet, the real fun is DOING the juicing- taking the time to cut apples and cucumbers takes a lot of focus away from what's going on around you, then smashing them down against the blade and seeing all the colors mixing together is the most relaxing experience I've ever had in the kitchen! Try it, your mind and your body will thank you!
3. I found a Yoga app for my iPhone! I've only done the 30 minute version once, but it was a great way to stretch my muscles out and feel some mental release! I'm working towards doing this exercise in the mornings before work or after the kids are put to bed, so I can get my mental peace going! I also want to try Zumba so I can dance all that stress away and look gooooood!!
4. Breathing may be overrated, but it's something your body needs to do! I found some breathing exercises to help my vocal cords, and as I would do them I felt a lot calmer in 15 minutes than I did in 8 hours at work! When things get hectic, step out the room and go to a place where you can close your eyes and just breathe slowly for a count of 10. Sometimes I visualize a more calm, in-control Leslie at the end of it, or myself sitting by a beautiful willow tree on a Summer day.... the choice is yours.
5. Epsom salt baths, my favorite tea and cookie, a good book or movie under a warm blanket (Snuggies don't count...), stretch out on the carpet and lay there for awhile, do a silly dance by myself or with the kids, pray and meditate on the blessings I have and what I want to draw towards myself, LAUGH, find my hairstylist so she can wash my hair and super-massage my scalp- whatever comes to my mind i'm doing it, and you should do the same!
Best of luck to a calmer, relaxed, less than insane YOU!!
Hey! You know I mos def needed to read this post. My question is what do you do about the feeling of guilt when you choose me time?? When I get home I am so tired I need to take a nap. I feel bad taking a nap and not attending to my son....who is playing and ignoring me anyway....but I still feel bad. Plus whenever I do something for me I think about the kitchen needs to be cleaned, my homework that needs to be done, etc....etc....
ReplyDeleteHey there- you're not alone in this!! You can still make time for you, and spend time doing the things that matter to you- just pace yourself with a few things at a time, then reward yourself when you finish them :)For example, you can spend time with your son for a whole hour, or 15-30 min increments so he gets that attention from you. Then, you can let him know what you're going to do (i.e., cook dinner, take a short nap or shower, do homework, etc.) so he feels secure about where you are if he needs to find you (kids always find you...lol). This gives him a little more independence and "kid time", and gives you a break too. If you're doing chores, you can take a small pause after finishing each one, or choose the top 2 at a time then reward yourself with a piece of fruit, or 10 minutes of TV/Music time on the couch, or a good cool down stretching session so you're not worn out at the end of the day. hope this helps!
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