What do you do to take care of yourself when you are overloaded and afraid?
I end up giving this advice about 6 times a week, to my patients.
I thought it might be a good idea to visit with it, ask it some questions, look it over, maybe take a bite out of it.
Cancel every single obligation you can get out of. If it isn't absolutely necessary, call out.
Eat consciously. Drink water. Slow down. Give yourself compassion. It is what's missing. Walk. Run. Get on a horse, a bike, skis, what have you. Soak in a hot tub. Read Harry Potter. Spend time with people who love you. Wear warm clothes. Take your vitamins, because your immune system is weakened. Read Billy Collins. Cry. Laugh. Watch movies. Stare out the window. Drink tea. Avoid stressful situations, like the m-a-l-l or seeing your parole officer. Listen. Ask. Listen some more. Indulge in healthy touch. Stop thinking you need to be this or that. You don't. Nobody notices when you aren't. Only you. Do crosswords. Eat green things. Sleep.
More than 5 hours. Be well, safe, and clear.
3 comments:
Thanks Zetta, some of us(me) who just take a minute to see what you have written about lately needed that reminder. On that note, I'm going running :)
This is a wonderful post.
Thank you for the reminders. You're good.
I just worked a 16 hour day, followed by a 12 hour day. Breaks were few and far between. As a nurse, I too frequently encouraging my patients' families to take time for themselves. I must learn to follow those rules too. I now have 5 days off and will take your welcome and well timed advice. Thanks!
Post a Comment