Self-care, self-care…
The term is everywhere. Is it important? Yes. Is it easy? Maybe, maybe not. The variations and methods are different for everyone. I am finding that what works for me, is the unconventional method of finding time to relax. I am both an early riser and a late-night person. This is not usual; I know, but it is how I function. I do not recommend it.
Being full time employee/entrepreneur, parent of three, one fur baby and husband who cannot seem locate anything in his own house (I am not picking on him, he hears me say this all the time), doesn’t allow myself the time I need to relax most days. Coming through a pandemic and now adding homeschooling to the mix, almost threw me into a tailspin. I was stressed, depressed…a whole mess. I needed to get a hold of myself fast.
Then there is social media. Constantly seeing posts like, if you are not starting a new business in this pandemic, it’s not in you.” It was wild. Like, another person can tell you, what is and IS NOT in YOU. *shrugs* (there are several things to unpack here, but I’ll do this at another time.)
What helped and will continue to help me is my strong faith, the ability to pull myself back, and slow down. All the way down. I also believe in drawing to things that give me the most peace. For me, it is being near the ocean and when I cannot do that, I listen to the sound of waves and rain. The time to listen is in the early morning before everyone else is awake. I meditate, pray, and then listen to the waves crashing or light spa music. I do not feel sad, if I nod off. It is my time and if my body needs a little more rest, I take it. Most of the time, I don’t and will knock out a 30-minute workout.
No one can tell you what to do or how to find your moments of peace. You just have to. Your health and mental state depend on it. You cannot prioritize work over your physical and mental health. The time to stop and smell the “flowers” is whenever you need to but make sure you do. Make sure to carve out a quiet moment at any part of the day. Whether it is in the bathroom, playing a video game on your phone *guilty* or listening to the ocean. *double guilty* I recommend that if you are needing some time to shut out the outside world, meditation is wonderful. Check out the site Insight Timer or the Calm App, link here. These are great and it has lots of information on getting started. If you are on the opposite end of the spectrum and need a little more umph with it, try this. Just saying.
I am also a firm believer in therapy. Therapy has been a major part in the healing journey of many, working through and letting go of generational trauma. I highly recommend anyone see a therapist. Most insurance now covers it.
Lastly, I’ve been on the other side working myself to the ground, not getting enough rest and that is a losing battle. In the words of one of my favorite movies, “get busy living or get busy dying.” Okay, that’s kinda harsh and not very helpful. How about this…do the best that you can, make sure to take care of yourself. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Love. E.L.
