Several of my private practice clients have been talking about finding time to taking care of themselves. While this generally seems like a basic task, it does seem to easily fall off our to do list. Whether its getting a massage, taking a short walk, spending time with friends, considering healthier food choices, or buying pair of supportive shoes that help staying on one’s feet all day comfortable. Did you know that research shows massage lessens stress, depression, anxiety, and reduce pain? I’ve noticed for more than one person that finding a reasonable bed time and sticking to it has been a challenge and so we’ve brainstormed setting an alarm clock for bed time with hopes that waking up will become less of a struggle. Getting enough sleep has been shown to improve memory, supports quality of life, curbs inflammation, enchances creativity, improves athletic abilities, improves grades at school or meeting deadlines at work, sharpens attention, supports healthier weight (those sleep deprived feel more hungry), lowers stress, makes you a better driver, and improves emotional stability.
Taking time to take care of yourself can relieve stress and relax, it can improve our overall health both physically, mentally, and emotionally. Another consideration is to think about who in your support network can support certain aspects of your self care. Perhaps one of your friends loves to hike and could point out some new trails for you to try, or a colleague of yours enjoys a hobby that you’d love to try but you’ve hesitated because you are not sure where to start. Getting time to yourself is also important to re-charge and to ground ourselvesso that you don’t lose sense of our priorities, purpose, and balance in our life. With the holidays fast approaching I encourage you to think about ways to take some time to conside how you can integrate self-care in your routine.
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