Y’all, I’m tired!
I’m so tired, my tired is tired!
I very nearly fell asleep driving today. My body is telling me to REST! But self-care is often the last thing on our minds as we figure out how to do life “solo” for the first time. And even if it’s on our minds, it’s usually not on our schedules.
God made us to need rest. He even set aside a day in every seven for us to do just that! In fact, He requires it of us. And not just to rest, but to regularly come to Him for that rest.
I know I need to do better.
So I looked up the notes I made for myself a couple of years ago, when cancer forced me to stop running, to rest, and to reset.
I’m not a medical professional, but here’s what I wrote down for myself. Perhaps you can incorporate some of these into your journey, as well.
Self-Care Goals
Physical:
- Drink water: we all know the benefits of drinking enough water. Just do it.
- Eat healthy: or, in my case, eat something!
- Exercise: it releases natural endorphins and generally makes you feel better. It also gives you a physical outlet for all that pent-up emotion.
- Get some sunshine and get your hands or feet in some dirt: did you know they are natural antidepressants?
- Take vitamins: especially D, Bs and Omega 3s
- Sleep: the brain requires rest in order to heal, especially from trauma
- Stretch: stress causes tight muscles, which cause physical pain
- Meds: there is no shame in asking the doctor for something for anxiety while you figure out this new world, but never self-medicate
Emotional:
- Listen to happy music: music can control emotions, so choose wisely
- Laugh, dance, sing: I know this seems impossible, but find a way. It’s medicine.
- Breathe deeply: this will help calm you and drive oxygen to your brain
- Read: something NOT about grief
- Get out of the house: experience something new
Spiritual:
- Meditate: find key truths and memorize them, stick them on your refrigerator, whatever it takes to wire them into the pathways of your brain.
- Journal: some journal entries may need to be written and then destroyed. Others, you will want to read again. Writing out your thoughts will help get them out of your head so you can process them. Try writing out your prayers. Also write out Scripture. Jesus used Scripture to combat the lies of Satan. Why would we not do the same?
- Counseling: talk it through with someone who will point you to the hope found in Christ alone
- Seek forgiveness if necessary: or, if you’ve already asked for God’s forgiveness, forgive yourself
- Pray: the One who created you is the only One who fully knows your heart. He is able to heal what time, substances and therapy never can.
Mental:
- Choose: I didn’t get a choice about whether or not loss and trauma invade my life, but I do get to choose whether or not to build a house there. Put on those perspectacles!
- Trust: I have a Maker Who knows my name. He is faithful, He is good, and His way is best.
- Give thanks: This one may be hard some days. Do it anyway. Find something for which to be thankful. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes!
What would you add?
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
