When life gets busy, the first thing to go is our own self care.
Do You Have a Self Care Plan?
If your life is anything like mine, your to-do list and schedule have reached a frenzied pace.
We find ourselves running in circles trying to get everything done.
And what’s the first thing to go?
Taking care of ourselves.
In a way, it makes sense:
We won’t have to face disappointed friends, bosses, clients, parents or kids if we take care of everybody else first, and put our needs to the end of the list.
But…
We all know how we are less effective when we are burned out.
Just like they say on the safety announcement on an airplane, you need to put on your oxygen mask before you help others.
But, I Don’t Have Time!
No, we can’t ignore our obligations. We need to keep our jobs, maintain our friendships, and keep our kids safe.
The problem so many of us face is that we are bound by All or Nothing Thinking!
- I don’t have time for my 30 minute workout, so I guess I’ll have to skip movement today.
- I don’t have time to cook so I’ll just eat chips for dinner.
- The kids have soccer practice during dinner, so I’ll just eat a protein bar in the car.
- No one else wants to take a break during my 5 hour meeting, so I’ll just ignore my hunger pangs.
- I have so much shopping to do, so I’ll shop through dinner.
Do any of these resonate with you???
How About A Different Approach?
One thing I work on with my private clients is moving away from black-and-white thinking and learning to live in the gray.
If you’re a Type A personality, I know this can be a challenge, but I think you’ll find the benefits to be worth it.
If we use the examples above:
- Could you take a 5 minute walk as a break from your work?
- Could you pick up a sandwich on the way home or make yourself a PB &J?
- Could you grab some takeout and eat your dinner on a park bench or in your car with some nice background music?
- Could you suggest a 10 minute break during the meeting so everyone can take care of their needs?
- Could you bring a cheese stick and some nuts with you while you’re shopping to avoid getting hangry?
All of these solutions might not be the way you want to live during a normal week, but they provide ‘good enough’ solutions that allow you to take care of your basic needs so you can thrive during the busy seasons of life.
My challenge to you to resist perfectionism:
When you find yourself engaging in all-or-nothing thinking, hit the pause button and reframe it into an action that’s a compromise.
I’d love to hear how you used these ideas to survive a challenging week.
Drop me a line at Kelly@KellyAbramsonRD.com
As you think about this year, what are your dreams as it comes to your relationship with food and your body?
Are you thinking it might be time to start your Intuitive Eating journey? But worried you cannot go it alone? It can be difficult at first and some people need help along the way.
Contact me to schedule a complimentary Take Action Call so I can guide you on the best way to move ahead so that your needs get met.
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