How To Take Care Of Yourself In A Busy World
Let me start off by stating something that we all need to hear more often: self care is not selfish. One can only serve others to their fullest potential when they're needs have been met. In other words, you can't serve water from a dry well. Life can be so exhausting and draining; between stress and daily demands, things can get a little overwhelming. Add in a chronic illness to the mix, and suddenly you have a volcano ready to erupt. And that's not even mentioning the fact that stress has been clinically proven to worsen the effects of some chronic illnesses. In the spirit of de-stressing, here are some ways to take care of yourself in a busy world:
Be Still
With busyness swirling around, it's often so hard to find time to be calm. Challenge yourself to calm your mind and body for one minute. Focus on your breathing. Say a prayer or ponder a verse. Mentally list five things you are grateful for. Sit on the beach and relax.
Pamper Yourself
This doesn't mean that you have to spend money or focus solely on yourself. If you are able, go on a short walk with a family member. Set aside some time to have a music party with a friend. If you are feeling the need to be alone, re-read a chapter from your favorite book.
Schedule Downtime
Busy calendars filled with doctor appointments and clinic visits can make finding time to relax is difficult. Scheduling downtime gives you opportunity and permission to unwind. Set aside a block of time each week for whatever floats your boat; mindlessly scrolling through social media, sketching a picture, or watching a travel show.
These techniques have helped me calm my mind and body. With less stress, I'm able to take joy in life and lessen the impact negative emotions can have on my chronic illnesses.