Ready. Set. Go!

The race is on to the end of the year. We’re planning a trip to warmer climes around the holidays to get away from the hectic activities that come in December. Hopefully it will be a place we can sink our toes in the sand and read a few good books.

This month, as we start fall and round up the last of the year, I want to take some time to talk about the importance of self care and give some tips for putting you back in your schedule. Ragweed and fall allergies have arrived, so I’ve included a minute massage section on self-massage for the lymphatic system to drain the head of all the fluid that builds up.

- heather wibbels (615.294-6672)

When was the last time you penciled yourself into your schedule? PDAs and calendars fill up with obligations to other people – to family, friends, co-workers, church members, charity events. Take a peek through the last two weeks of appointments. Is there a slot you dedicated to yourself? If not, maybe it’s time to start putting your own name down.

What’s the big deal?
Peeking over my clients’ shoulders, I see date books and PDAs full of obligations – work meetings, kid transportation, church events, and dinners with friends. Hardly a day goes by without an event or meeting to take up the time. And that’s in addition to the daily to-do list that work, family and friends. I’ve found that in the hurry to make and meet these outside obligations, many people forget to put self-care into their daily or weekly routine. This means that most of the activities that make up a day or week or month are directed toward other people rather that inward, and that can sap a lot of energy.

Think about how many people depend on you on a daily basis. Consider your co-workers, your family, your neighbors and your friends. By putting them into your calendar, you make sure you won’t forget to bring a dish to a pot-luck, or a deliverable to a business meeting. But, by leaving yourself off your calendar, you put yourself at risk of increased stress and illness with little or no time to recharge your own batteries. To take care of others, you must dedicate time to take care of yourself.

What kinds of things should I be putting down?
What kinds of things give you energy? Is it sitting down on the couch with a pet reading a good book? Is it time in the garden, a yoga class, or a hot bath after the kids are asleep? It could be sitting on the front porch watching the neighborhood, scrapbooking, playing with the dog outside, getting a massage or watching your favorite movie with your spouse. Pencil in these kinds of activities to dedicate time and energy to yourself. This will alleviate stress and put you back in focus to the things that really matter in life.

Ask yourself what activities seem to go by quickly because they are so enjoyable. These are the things you should add to your calendar. If you’re not used to taking time out for yourself, and you feel a little guilty about it, just put 10 -15 minutes a day down for yourself. Take the time to see how you feel on the days you start to put yourself down as a priority – odds are it will feel pretty good. Gradually increase the time and activities to a level that keeps your body and mind fit and relaxed. Even if you can’t get rid of all the stress, slowing the accumulation of stress in the body will reap great benefits.

I just fit it in when I can; do I really need to write it down?
Yes – Make the commitment and write it down to get the benefit of dedicated self-care time. How often do you actually fit it in? If it’s something you do once or twice a month as you can fit it in to your schedule, are you really meeting your needs? The tendency to fit it in without making it a priority means it will be one of the first things lost as your calendar fills through the week. Make a commitment to write it down and treat that time for yourself as sacred.

What benefits can I expect?
You can expect a lower stress level, a more even mood, higher energy and greater self-acceptance. Taking time out for yourself puts you back into the driver’s seat and puts things in perspective. It’s OK to be the center of the universe for an hour or two, especially if it means your mind and body get the chance to relax and recharge. Just remember to put your name down for a repeat in the next day or two.