Last night I watched the Olympic gymnastics on television. It amazed me to see how gymnasts performed each part of every routine perfectly…the perfection of every skill and the determination of how to succeed to be an integral part of their team. These athletes needed to find a balance of how to be the “best that they can be…” The controversy of Simone Biles stepping down from her events took the world by shock in this Olympic setting. Taking care of yourself is an essential component of life. We all have responsibilities that pull us in countless directions, making us feel stressed, short-tempered, and at times overwhelmed. We know it may be hard to fit one more thing into your busy day and it is true that self-care takes time. However, finding time to take care of ourselves is vital for every member of your family.

You may have heard the saying, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” It is true. You can only be your best self to take care for others when you are taken care of and when your cup is full. Self-care is all about finding ways to fill your cup.

Some ways to practice self-care may be:

• Take some time for just you during the day. This could be a bubble bath, reading the morning headlines, meditation, yoga, taking a walk, exercising, reading a book, or journaling. None of these have to take much time; even if you only have 15 minutes, take a little time for yourself to help recharge your batteries. Even just a few minutes of focusing on yourself can help you be more present for your family and reduce feelings of burn-out and stress. I saw a funny cartoon once that showed two parents looking in on their sleeping children. The one parent says to the other, “If we could only look at them as sleeping instead of recharging…”
• Have something to look forward to. Whether this is getting a massage, having lunch with friends, or an evening out (or in!) with your partner. Get a sitter, send the kids to a friend’s house, or getting away for a weekend. Having a little event to look forward to can feel very rewarding once it arrives.
• Take a walk or ride your bike around your neighborhood. Turn up the music on your favorite songs and dance while changing loads of laundry, washing the dishes or dusting. There are many ways to be creative and have fun when it comes to getting physical and moving.
• Rest and rejuvenation is just as important as moving around and getting your blood pumping. Track how many hours of sleep you get and note how you feel and how much energy you have. You may need to make some adjustments. Another hour more can really help you function at your best.
• The power of touch is really unparalleled. Take advantage of an opportunity to give or get a back rub or massage, even a manicure or pedicure can boost your spirits and add a little to your physical needs.
• Fulfill your spiritual needs to gain perspective. If possible set aside 10 minutes each day just being silent, breathing, and reminding yourself of the positive things that surround you and for which you are grateful. End each of these sessions in prayer.

Next time you find yourself “unbalanced” in your life, remember to get back on that beam of self-care and rejuvenate yourself. Remember, sometimes it is in the toughest times of our lives that we can reach our greatest heights. Be like the Olympians and become the “Best that you can be!”

Brenda Lytle, RN
Director of Care Ministries
(Reprinted from the September 2021 newsletter)