Live. Move. Rest.
One of the most important things about self-care is that it improves our mental health. When we don't take proper care of ourselves, we're much more susceptible to feeling anxious, depressed, and out of control. When we feel out of control, there's a greater chance that we'll use harmful coping mechanisms to suppress our emotions.
I wish I'd realized, at the time, that the fatigue which kept me from checking my watch was actually the consequence of not training effectively. This turned out to be equally true of my tunnel vision. As soon as I started training to heart rate, I felt more comfortable. I was listening to my body and working within my limits. I could look at my watch or around the neighborhood, even chat with other runners! For the first time, I was actually able to enjoy myself and experience flow when I was running.
While there are many causes for childhood constipation, withholding due to anxiety is undeniably a leading culprit. In my opinion, as a parent, fear - due to a lack of understanding of digestive processes - heavily contributes to this anxiety.
Knowing what we are feeling, sooner rather than later, also reduces the likelihood of responding in ways we later regret. We are able to remain calm, to pause and reflect on our choices, rather than having emotional outbursts. Understanding what stage, or wave, of an emotion we are experiencing is also valuable. If we are just beginning to feel an emotion, a few deep breaths may allow us to sit with it, without feeling overwhelmed. If we are in the later stages, and the waves of emotion are crashing in. We may need to take a walk, run, or cry.
Taking a more proactive approach to consent requires creating relationships where open and honest communication can take place. It involves listening intently, with all of our senses, to the words, body language, tone of voice, and movements of others, as they respond to our words, actions, and movement. It requires respecting the boundaries of others, and gracefully accepting rejection, without questioning or demanding explanations.
One way to get a great night's sleep is to go to bed, and wake up, at the same time every day. Many people drastically change their sleep habits from day to day, or between weekdays and weekends. Our bodies would prefer a predictable routine.
It’s easy to get motivated by a fitness program, a new diet, or a motivational speech. The problem is that this motivation exists only in the intentional mind. It temporarily changes our intentions but fails to overcome the power of our habits. How many times have you rationalized skipping the gym, eating unhealthy food, or just reverting to your usual behaviors, only to later regret it?
Our body is typically reacting to stress long before we're consciously aware of it. As we become more adept at observing ourselves, we cultivate our ability to identify the early signs of stress. Regular meditation increases our awareness of both physical sensations, and the ways that our mind and body interact.
In abusive relationships, one partner seeks to gain, and maintain, power and control over the other. This is accomplished through the use of various manipulative tactics.
Carving out time for intimacy becomes even more vital as relationships progress. Connecting as a couple is an essential component of having a healthy and satisfying long-term relationship.
The secret to my success with IBS, over the past few years, lies in changing my approach to food, fitness, relaxation, and hydration. If I could go back in time, to advise to myself at the height of my agony, I'd say, “The key to changing your life is meticulously collecting data and planning ahead.”
Have you ever had a bad day? Are you having one now? I would like to propose a few strategies to employ on just such an occasion.