Are You Chronically Tired? Mindful Self-Care Can Help
Do you find yourself always caring for others? Have you been leaving your own health in the dust?
Whether you are a healthcare provider, a parent, or simply a human, there always seems to be someone else to take care of. And quite often, we put our own problems behind the issues of others only to end up fatigued.
As simple as it may sound, we often forget that you can’t pour from an empty cup!
We have to view ourselves as our own best friend, giving ourselves the same level of compassionate care that we give to others.
Jennifer Perry wrote a beautiful blog in which she describes the tiers of self-care.
The first tier consists of more common self-care practices; including exercise, diet, meditation, and enjoying hobbies that are renewing and allow you to spend time with people you love. In a fast paced world, it can be incredibly difficult to set aside time to do the things that you love. Try to schedule a time each day, it can be as short as a few minutes, to practice a renewing activity. Here at PIM we start the work day with a 5 minute meditation each morning!
The second tier incorporates the way we approach each moment in our lives. Jen says that it is less important what things we are doing, and more important how we are doing things. We should look at tasks not as objectives to complete in order to get on with our lives, but as influential pieces which make up the whole picture. If we can live each moment presently and mindfully, then even mundane tasks can become renewing rather than depleting.
Try setting an intention for the day! Starting the day with a positive affirmation can help shape how the rest of the day unfolds. We often hear the saying “well somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed” when someone appears grumpy. What would happen if we woke up on the “right” side of the bed? Well we’d probably be a lot happier!
The third tier that Jen mentions is self-talk. If our inner dialogue is filled with criticism and self-deprecation, then it can be extremely difficult to believe that we are worthy of care. Instead, we must make a shift toward treating ourselves like our own best friend. If we speak to our inner self with compassion and empathy, then we will exude compassion and empathy as well, making it easier to give the same to others.
It is time to put yourself first! Grab a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, or whatever else makes you feel calm, comfortable, and cared for. Look into a mirror and tell your reflection that you are worthy and deserving of care and love!
Another way to show yourself love and care could be to check in with yourself. Ask your body how it feels. Ask your mind if it is stressed and worried, or calm and content. Maybe it is time to check in with a physician to further heal your body and spirit!
At Philadelphia Integrative Medicine, we prioritize self-care as an essential aspect of your health! Schedule a free 20 minute consultation to see how we can help you today.
Wondering if what you eat affects your brain function? Experiencing brain fog?
Please join us for a lively discussion on optimizing brain health at Eastern University on November 14th!
Click the following link for more information: https://philly-im.com/event/prime-cognition-11-14
Register for upcoming events - FREE Group Classes at Cabrini College or Eastern University (please RSVP online)
If you or your loved one needs help, perhaps you are suffering from the effects of ongoing stress, mood or hormone imbalance, including thyroid imbalance, or you or they are already working with a doctor to address a condition but want a more comprehensive, empowering approach schedule your a 20 minute free consultation or an appointment with Annmarie McManus, MMSc, PA-C, PT, IFMCP or Lauren Houser, MS, MSN, CRNP today! Not quite ready to schedule and have questions, quickly get in touch with us today!
Written by Dani Mortimer
References:
Perry, Jennifer. “Mindful and Compassionate Self-Care.” Heartfulness Consulting, 17 Nov. 2016, heartfulnessconsulting.com/mindful-compassionate-self-care/.