Do you often sit back and think about how much you take care of yourself? Those of us in the profession call this "self care" or it can be referred to as "me time". While driving home today, I found myself utterly and ridiculously tired, but I said, "I have to go to Walmart, then to the office, then do some work when I get home. I can't take a nap, I'll just go to bed early". So, nonetheless, I couldn't fight it, and took a nap. I awoke rejuvenated and able to do some work. Some studies suggest that napping can be beneficial as it allows brain neurons to replenish. Ever tried to do something and you were so tired you couldn't focus, or you couldn't get beyond that one sentence you were reading? How were you when you went back to it after napping or going to sleep and picking it up the next day?
Some benefits of sleep or power napping are: less stress, increased alertness and productivity, improved memory and learning, good for the heart, increased cognitive functioning, get motivated to exercise, boost your creativity, make up for midnight tossing and turning, protect yourself from sleepiness, and better health.
Here's the twist! Many of us feel guilty by stopping and slowing down. We feel we have to be everything all the time (the soccer mom, perfect husband, carpool family, faithful church goer, workaholic and more). Practicing self care or taking "me time", can be easier than you think. My ultimate self care, is a nap when I need it (even if I have to leave the office during lunch for a quick 15-30 minute snooze)! For others, a simple stroll in the park, meditation, yoga, taking a bubble bath, watching a funny movie, going to a sports event, and going to the spa are some ways we can take a break. By taking care of ourselves, we are showing appreciation to ourselves, and in turn, also benefiting those we love. When we practice self care, we receive a "Thank You" from the most important person we know, OURSELVES! So, go ahead and take a break! You deserve it and owe it to yourself.
Leave a comment and tell us all how you take care of yourself. I look forward to reading it!
2 comments:
Kristy, I would love to take a nap right now! LOL. Tonight I think I will follow your advice. I have been running on fumes for the last couple of weeks. It has started to affect my family as well. So I will take some "me time" to comfort my spirit. Thanks for all you do.
Kristy, I sincerely appreciate the benefits of periodic naps. All of us have experienced the negative side effects of fatigue. It can make us less empathetic in our interactions whatever the setting;
I am a witness. Having young energetic children, there is a need for me to have sufficient energy as well. I have much more postive interactions with them when I have sufficient rest. Keep the topics coming, I really appreciate your work.
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