Recently I have been running in 10 different directions. Doing things I want and need to do, but nevertheless, I am tired. Lost my get-up-and-go. I know all the precautions I should take for overdoing things, so as not to have a CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) flare. But sometimes I just get caught up in all there is to do, and forget to pace myself.
My part-time job at the FSU College of Medicine keeping me busy. I am helping my sister who recently had a stroke and lives alone. buying Christmas gifts and coaching my clients. Not to mention the time I want to spend with my family and grandchildren and volunteering at the therapeutic riding stable and the elementary school. Housecleaning and grocery shopping are coming in a sad last place. All this to say, I am grateful for the great the blessings in my life right now. Really grateful! However, this week I have felt the exhausted feeling that tells me I have overdone it.
What to do? Well, I am writing this in my sweats for one thing. Planning nothing I have to do tomorrow outside the house, except pick up my granddaughter from school. Now is the time I have to take care of myself. Self-care means looking after yourself – I know it, but sometimes I blow it. When that happens, I just have to stop and take a chill pill. I know I have said this before, but you can’t be of service to others and do the things you need to do and love to do, if you aren’t taking care of yourself. If you work, take a nap at lunchtime or when you get home, which is what I used to do when I worked full time. If you don’t have time for that, just sit down, take a few deep cleansing breaths. Be kind to yourself, as selfish as that may seem. The rewards of feeling strong and healthy are great. What will you do today to take care of yourself?????
Jane Springer is a certified Life, Wellness and Style Coach who assists women in taking care of themselves, in body, mind and spirit. She coaches women who want to lose weight, avoid diabetes, and feel great. She also helps them thrive after divorce. She also helps them to clear their closets of old clothes and outdated attitudes, so they can shine and feel confident.