I apologize for not posting a single thing last week, ladies! As so many of you can relate, I’ve been running myself ragged between work, selling my house and driving 2 1/2 hours back and forth (when I can) to check on the new one we’re building. And might I add that I am doing this all on my own? Jane, unfortunately, took a back seat, and even worse, so did my health, so I wanted to share what I have learned over the last few weeks: Stress is horrible for you!
Okay, so you were already were aware of that. I sure was, but, like many women, I didn’t have the time to worry about it. Big mistake. For the last few months, whenever I’d try to sleep at night, it felt like my heart would stop, then it would pound like a sledge hammer, then race to catch up to normal rhythym. One night I thought I was having a heart attack. And it was just me and my dog. The exaggerated thought of dying alone sealed the deal for me and the next day I went to the doctor.
For the next 30 days, I’m hooked up to a halter monitor so the cardiologist can determine what’s going on. I have no history of heart disease, I eat well and exercise every day, but lately I’ve stuck all of that on the back burner and now I’m paying the price.
While my doctor thinks it’s stress and anxiety, it’s still a wake up call. I have so much admiration for working women with the same responsibilities as me plus children. I don’t know how they do it. It prompted me to think…when was the last time I took time for me?
As women, we bite off more than we can chew and find creative ways to accomplish everything on our to-do list in the mere 24 hours we’re given each day. Military wives who work full-time jobs, run households and care for children and pets often spend a lot of time doing it all on their own. When we get to the point where we’re doing for everyone but ourselves, a burn out is sure to follow.
As women, we feel we can’t take a break because of our jobs, our children, our financial situation, or because we don’t want to be “selfish”. Perhaps we intentionally do so much for others that it’s impossible to make time for ourselves. Maybe we’re scared of what we might learn about ourselves if we do take some down time. Either way, it’s time to give ourselves a break. A big one. Turn off your cell phone for an hour. Drop the kids off with a friend. Open a bottle of wine and play some music or, maybe, catch up on all the shows you’ve DVR-ed but never have time to watch.
I’ve learned that my world is not going to fall apart because I took some time to recharge my batteries. In fact, I’m much more productive when I do take a little bit of time for myself. So below are four ways to rejuvinate your mind, body and soul that will help you avoid burnout and won’t break the bank:
1. Take a walk. Or go for a run. Just get outside and let the air clear your mind.
2. Read a book. Or the newspaper-anything that doesn’t have to do with work.
3. Get a massage. If the recession has tightened your purse strings, go for a pedicure instead. Go on, you deserve it!
4. Head to the gym. I can’t think of a better way to get rid of your frustrations than by sweating them out. Whether you’re lifting weights or doing cardio, you’re doing your mind and your body a world of good.
Photo by tapasparida
