Here at the Gajer Practice, we spend a lot of time talking about how to take good care of our bodies… but today I want to go a bit beyond this. After all, we want you to live in a healthy and vital body so your life can feel full and vital! So today I want to talk a bit about self-care.
Stress plays an incredibly important role in our overall well-being and physical health and fitness. Sometimes life stress is obvious and unavoidable- a busy season at work, health problems with loved ones, trouble in a relationship- but other times it can be more vague and insidious. There are also stressors associated with being human that we experience in different periods of life. These include the stress of living in a fragile, and sometimes unpredictable body, of changing life circumstances, of overwhelm or boredom. Whatever the seasons of our lives, there will likely be a challenge we are facing whether it’s big or small.
So, how do we take care of our bodies and minds to grow rather than regress during these times of stress? I don’t pretend to have a definitive answer to this fundamental question, but I do have some suggestions that have worked for me and the people I have had the privilege to take care of.
Make time for self care
Set aside time to do the things that make you feel grounded and settled, whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book, playing golf or meeting with friends. This isn’t selfish, it will make you more available for others and will set an example that others need. In the business of life, we often put ourselves last. Carve out some time, even if it’s short, that is just yours.
Take care of your body
And we’re back talking about bodies. But it’s hard to feel good when your body is suffering. Drink your water, eat clean and healthy food and move regularly. Your body and mind will thank you for it.
Stay social
Having a community of people to be around and lean on has been shown in medical studies to be extremely beneficial to good mental and physical health. So pick up the phone and stay connected. Attend community events. Keep your connections alive to nourish your wellbeing.
Protect and practice your passions
Fun and play are essential to overall well-being. Though we often believe this is reserved for children and younger people, there has been volumes of research linking fun and play to improved physical and mental health. So find time for play, whatever that means in your life.
That’s it for this week- but I will be checking in with more wellness tips next week. While you’re focused on working towards physical goals, I hope you take the time this week to take care of your wonderful self.
