Relax! It’s good for your health!

Why is self care important?

Self-care too often falls by the wayside. Do you find yourself saying, “I’ll relax when________________________.” I will only sit and relax when I get the laundry done tonight. I’ll relax if the baby falls asleep right away. I will relax after I make this phone call, run this errand..…..

I do it too! Everyone does! However, self-care should never be conditional. I was reminded of this on a recent trip I took (my self-care). When you board the plane, take your seat, the flight attendants inform you of what to do in case air pressure should change while you are in the air. Can anyone recall the instructions? If not, here it goes……”In the event of a change in air pressure, your oxygen mask will appear in front of you. Place the mask firmly over your nose and mouth. If you are traveling with a child or with someone who requires assistance, please secure their oxygen mask AFTER yours has been secured.”

We all take care of others at some point whether it is a child, elderly parents, customers, clients, etc. So many of us give to others. Why are we so hesitant to give to ourselves? Self-care is therapeutic. It’s good for our health. Relaxing and taking time to care for ourselves actually reduces blood pressure. It relaxes your muscles. It relieves tension. When we are stressed, sleep deprived, tense, we are no good to others. We are not on the top of our own game. We should want to be our best so we can give our best to ourselves and to others.

So, knowing that self-care is so important to us AND it benefits our loved ones, how are you going to engage in a little relaxation? Try that new yoga class? Take a bath? Start a new book? Don’t wait for the laundry to be done. Start today. Counselor’s orders!