Do you make time to take care of yourself? It’s challenging when you have other people and other projects that you must take care of. I know it’s easier said than done, but it will become necessary at some point, whether it’s planned or not.
If you’ve flown anywhere, you’ve heard the flight attendant’s message: “In case of a loss in air pressure, masks will drop down. Put your mask on first, before assisting others.” You can’t help others if you’ve passed out.
The same thing goes in life. If you haven’t made time to take care of yourself, you’ll soon not have the energy to take care of another person or your projects. Even Jesus followed this guideline. “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone” (Matthew 14:23, NIV).
Many times, I’ve put self-care on the back burner, often neglecting my physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Can I encourage you? Prioritize self-care — it’s not selfish but essential for peace and harmony.
Invest in Yourself
Consider making a 1% investment in yourself. It may not seem like a lot, and I’m not talking about financial interest, but the effects can still compound. I’m talking of a time investment. One percent comes out to 15 minutes per day (to be precise, 14 minutes and 40 seconds, but we’re rounding). Sometimes you can’t find 15 minutes in one chunk. Tell your kids you’re putting yourself in time out for five minutes. Here’s a fun thing to try. Grab a cotton ball. Pay attention to the softness. It’s not quite the same as hugging a pet or a stuffed animal, but it can give a soothing sense of comfort.
Self-care is most important when you are busiest. If you keep pushing, your body will force you to take a break. You may not be aware that you are approaching the end of your usefulness.
I wasn’t.
A Lesson Learned
Over the years, I became more isolated. I used to work in office settings — some small, some large — so there was at least one other person I would see and speak with during work hours. As I transitioned to working from home, I lost those regular connections. At least Mom was around — my husband and I moved in with her to provide care — so I wasn’t alone. But still, I rarely saw anyone other than my husband and mother.
I learned of a “Meet and Move” group. Our city put together an opportunity for caregivers to get out, exercise, and meet others on a similar journey. Sometimes we socialized during a potluck or catered dinner. The leaders would bring in speakers to talk about the challenges caregivers faced. The program provided fitness trackers to count our steps, and we’d report how we did each week. There was at least one weekly gathering at a park to walk together. The fresh air and exercise were good for the spirit and soul.
But when Mom needed more hands-on help, I lost sight of the need to prioritize self-care. Within three months, in-home care was required to help us cope while we found an assisted living facility for Mom, got her belongings dispersed and her home ready for sale, and got my husband and me packed up for a cross-country move. When we were down to the last project — packing up — my body forced me to take a break. My exhausted body succumbed to a mild fever. I couldn’t help my husband pack the shipping container, and I couldn’t go see Mom. After a few days, I recuperated enough for the final push. My husband drove the entire distance from California to South Carolina while I rested and slept for much of it. Don’t put unreasonable expectations on yourself.
Follow this advice from Leonardo da Vinci: “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen.”
Let Me Help
Reach out if you’d like some guidance on the way to peace and harmony. Let’s put together a plan for your soon-to-be on-purpose life. While waiting for a response, I want to encourage you to write down three to five ideas for rewarding yourself. You’re worth it.