Self Care 101 PI
Faith traditions often teach we should be selfless and sometimes we can take it to far and neglect ourselves, which ends up screwing everyone over. Why? Think about a car, any device and you have to at some point recharge it or put gas in the tank. If you wait till the last minute then it won’t function. We also need recharge and gas. How can we do that?
Physically eating healthy foods, and an occasional unhealthy indulgence works. Even with things like chocolate you can get vegan chocolate, get yogurt and different granola cereals, fruit and mix that, which is what I have been doing. I also get white vegan chocolate, which I feel is going to be better for me. If I do not feel up to cooking, well I will order Amazon fresh prepared meals for a few dinners, rather than frozen dinners. I can order a few, put them in the freezer, defrost that morning or the night before. It’s important also to get regular medical check ups, not neglect anything that you feel is off with your body, especially if it feels off in a major way. Rest is also crucial, even little naps during the day if possible, particularly if you’re not feeling quite right. Again, everything needs a recharge. If you are not feeling well it’s crucial for yourself and those who rely on you to take care of yourself and if you need to say no to something, then no it is.
Often we can neglect the physiological aspect of self care. Mental stimulation, even through adult coloring books, or word search puzzles, can be a tool to keep the mind active, stimulated. Taking to someone about anxiety etc.., even if it’s to your journal periodically is helpful. It can help you let go of the angst. Once you write what you’re anxious about it is important to then do something positive like have a healthy treat, listen to a positive meditation track. Take a day trip to a place that will lift the spirit. Also, while being there for others is important, you have to be careful not to take on the negative, despondent energy of others. Being able to be there, listen and yet be able to in a way detach from that energy is important. Before meeting with someone you know will be sharing some not so positive stuff, using you as a sounding board, doing a meditation to create a shield around you is a good idea. Again if you take on the energy of other people’s angst, chaos etc…it will begin to affect your life, and mental health. Caring, and also a healthy stepping back is important.
Namaste