Self Care IS Preventative Care

I haven’t been my energizer bunny self this week and people are starting to wonder, worry. I fed my people, kept my appointments, kept the wheels on the bus, but beyond that I read, took baths and moved at a slower pace.  Did I solve world hunger?  No.  Did I win mother of the year?  No.  But I didn’t yell at my children, I didn’t manage my stress with an external source (food, alcohol, netflix, etc.) and I was more aware of myself and the world around me.  Is that selfish?  Should I be ashamed that I didn’t martyr myself for others?  My answer is, no.

I just spoke with a family from the hospital, and this is a situation I see a lot; feeling guilty for taking care of oneself, particularly in a time of crisis.  That’s when you need self care the most!!!  If you are not eating, sleeping or getting fresh air (letting alone moving your body!) you are no good to yourself or the person you are trying to support.  I’m not talking about taking off for a weekend retreat or shirking any responsibilities.  I’m talking about basic self care; eating when your body needs nourishment, taking a moment to focus on your breath, connecting with a loved one to share, vent and express (and maybe even hug!), closing your eyes for a 10 minute rest.  These small acts of kindness for oneself are not self-indulgent, they are self-preservation.  You can’t give to others from an empty tank. Stress and overwhelm are major factors in our physical health with connections to heart disease and weight gain at a minimum.  And if we can just take those precious moments each day, to give ourselves a hug in an authentic way (drinking coffee or tea in peace, walking around the block noticing nature, listening to a song that connects to us,) we are better to ourselves, to the people around us and the world we inhabit.

Self care is not egotistical or self-involved.  Self care is smart, proactive and self-less.  Give from a place of abundance and not depletion.  Be your own advocate and know yourself.  Take care of you and the world will benefit!

Walking a labyrinth is an opportunity to slow your pace, reflect and ponder, and be present with oneself; body, mind and spirit.