Take Time for YOU Today!
I was in a minor car accident last month. No broken bones or other serious injuries, but it did shake me up a bit. I was t-boned out of nowhere, so I was traveling in a forward motion, and suddenly my entire body was shook sideways. I was immediately dizzy and then had a headache that just wouldn’t go away. At first, I kept working, because I didn’t want to leave all of you high and dry. But when my symptoms didn’t cease, I decided that I needed to take some time off and rest. And that is exactly what I want to talk to you about today…
We don’t have to be in a car accident to “earn” some time off. But sometimes injuries and accidents happen for a reason (or when we actually do need time off that we refuse to take). For me, I was going, going, going in service to others and not taking quite enough time for myself. Not that I would have ever wished a car accident on myself, but I do recognize that it was needed time off in healing, not just from the accident, but from life.
FINDING TIME FOR YOU
In response to that, I am asking you today to stop for a minute and ask yourself if you need some time off. Most of us will jump on that with a resounding YES! But very few of us will actually take the time needed. So if you don’t have the luxury of extra vacation days just to sit home and rest or to take a trip to the beach (my happy place), then just take a few minutes a day for YOU.
Here’s how you can do that: Start off by taking a minute now to check in with your body. Start with three deep, cleansing breaths. Breathe in through your nose and allow your stomach to expand. Hold it for three seconds and then breathe out slowly through your nose. After three deep breaths just sit for a minute and feel your body. Feel your head, what are you holding there? Is there any discomfort or pain? Notice your neck. Is there any tightness or other discomfort? Next, check in with your shoulders. How much weight are you carrying there? Now feel your lungs fill with air as you continue to breathe. How about your core? Does it feel strong or do you feel “knots in your stomach” from stress or anxiety? Continue to breathe. Move down to your hips and buttocks. Feel where they bend and touch the chair you are sitting in. Are you comfortable or do you have aches and pains there? Now feel your legs and knees. Do you feel like you could get up and run a marathon, or do you have pain or tightness? Lastly, take a moment to notice your ankles, feet, and toes. They carry you throughout all your days. How are they doing? Thank them for always being there for you and recognize if they need anything right now.
WHAT NEXT?
After a complete inventory of your body, how do you feel? Is there anything your body needs right now? Maybe you can get up and stretch slowly, working out the kinks. Or get up and go for a walk just to get some fresh air into your lungs. Or maybe pick up the phone and schedule a full body massage. Or you can even decide right now to have a really healthy, energizing lunch today to nourish your body and keep it strong for all of the hard work you have planned. Whatever you decide to do, the first step is taking the time to notice your body and feel what it needs. Now you’re halfway there in taking time for YOU today!
Thanks for reading. I hope you will go over to my Facebook page and tell me how YOU are feeling today. I can't wait to hear from you...
