Our stressful
lives leave little room for us to just enjoy - to be "in the
moment."We seem to be constantly
trying to achieve more and more. Whether man or woman,
typically our lowest priority is ourselves - we rarely give as much importance
to ourselves as we do to others.
Be a Priority
In Your Life
Self renewal
is essential for well being. Living your
life being "too busy" and overly organized is as ineffectual as being
disorganized and idle. Balancing work with play is healthy and keeps
necessary balance in our lives. By
balancing your life you will be less stressed and less open to health issues. In
addition, when you are more relaxed, your performance is better. If you
hope to achieve balance in life, you DO need to nurture yourself. To nurture yourself is to care enough about yourself to add "you" to your own list of
priorities. Balancing work and family can be very hard, so we often tend to our own needs last which takes a huge toll on our mental, physical and emotional health.
Getting in
touch with ourselves is key to self nurturing. Psychologists suggest that to reconnect with
our own self, we need to put aside what the world expects of us, and
do what we really would like to do for ourselves - even if just for a little
while.
Understand your body
Ask yourself these questions. Do you have any aches and pains that you have tried to ignore for a while? Are there any changes in your eating habits? Are you drinking more alcohol or coffee lately? Are you eating or sleeping more or less than usual? Are you watching more TV to numb yourself to sleep?
Observe your mental or emotional changes
Check yourself to see if you have started using coping methods such as withdrawal, postponing action, emotional outbursts or obsessing. Being aware of these things can help you choose ways to nurture yourself. By looking closely at how you are dealing with life, how you respond physiologically and emotionally to each day, you begin to get a clear picture of what works for you and what doesn't.
Check Your Need
for Supplements
Your physical
exhaustion and fatigue could mean that you need to consult your doctor to
increase your daily vitamin intake. The right supplements and an altered healthier eating
plan may help you feel more energetic. (Be sure to consult your physician before changing your supplements or eating plan.)
Be physically
active
Psychiatrists
and stress management consultants often suggest an exercise routine at least
four times a week. Physical exertion helps reduce depression, boredom and lack
of energy and enthusiasm. A short walk is an effective and healthy alternative
to stress-relief medicines.(Be sure you
have your physician's approval before starting any exercise plan.)
Listen to Soothing Music
Music has
vibrations which affect our heartbeat, blood flow and brain waves. Any music
that aids in you breathing slower and deeper, relaxes you. Some of the deepest relaxation is achieved with the sound of flute,
harp or piano music.
Volunteer
Helping others is the most rewarding and "feel good" thing you will ever do. Volunteering at your local food shelter, hospital, animal shelter, or delivering groceries to shut-ins will not only bring others the help they need but you will be helping yourself as well. If you are lonely, interacting with others will ease that feeling of loneliness and if you are sad, being a participant in others' well being will make you feel better!
Take a
tranquil bath
A bath can be
a natural sedative or stimulator. Bath additives can enhance the soothing
quality of a warm bath. Chamomile and lavender are particularly calming. Apple
cidar vinegar, or epsom salts can be directly added to bath water. Having a massage - at least on a vacation - before a
warm bath can be rejuvenating. We don't need to go to an expensive spa to
attain relaxation!
Take A Walk In Nature
Nature can be
the greatest tranquilizer in the world. Half an hour walking in the woods or
along a beach work very well. Watching
the sea, seeing the clouds roll by, listening to the forest birds, can help us relax our minds and let go of the
day's problems.
When you nurture yourself, you nurture those around you as well. We are "all one" in this universe. Give yourself the valuable gift self -nurturing...starting today!
Harbor Hypnosis
Barbara Wolfram / Barbara@HarborHypnosis.net
Phone: 631-725-2880
28 Carlisle Lane / Sag Harbor, NY 11963
