In this day and age, we have so much going on in our lives. Most families require both parents to be working. All the while, there are kids to care for, meals to prepare, activities to attend, shopping to do, and grandparents to look after. Does it ever seem like there is time to breathe? More importantly, are you caring for yourself well enough to care for the others around you?
First, and foremost, take time to see your physician. Make sure to list all concerns you may have, in advance of your appointment. When visiting your physician, make sure that you are playing an active role in the conversation. Ask questions when you don’t understand, and ask for clarification (or definition) of the physician’s verbiage, when unclear. Always remember that your physician works for you. And, you have a right to understand what restrictions or limitations may be placed on you. We are so busy, that we have convinced ourselves that there is no time to care for ourselves. However, it truly is not about how much time you have, it’s what you are doing with that time. Understanding yourself and what brings you tranquility and happiness is the first task. Review what you are doing when you currently have “downtime.” Are you sitting in front of the television? Are you on social websites? Are you creating barriers to relaxation? Identify, review, and prioritize.
Once you identify the type of relaxation activity that suits you best, schedule that time into your life, daily or weekly. Don’t compromise that scheduled time. Ensure that the setting is correct for the activity you have chosen. For example, if you enjoy reading, then make sure you are not attempting this with a house full of kids running around. Find a place where you can have some peace and quiet before settling into your reading. Another example is if you enjoy drives along a favorite stretch of road. Don’t pick a holiday weekend to attempt that drive…your attempt at relaxation has failed. Find what works for you, only you know what that is. What I do know is the importance of taking this valuable time seriously. Help those you love, by helping yourself first. Take the important step to being the healthy “go-to” person your friends and family have grown to rely on.
For more information, please call Pacifica Senior Living at 661-254-9933.