Tips for Nurturing Yourself
We asked members of our community what they do to care for themselves in order to better help others. Here are their best tips and tricks for being a little selfish.
"Get up early to have some quiet time for yourself. It's worth needing to get to bed early. Also keep in mind that taking care of yourself will mean disappointing others some of the time—by needing to say “no,” or doing things on your own schedule and not theirs." —Dr. Wendy Warner of Medicine In Balance"Ditch the technology. Be present and enjoy where you are and whom you’re with wholeheartedly. Spend some time outside. Take in some fresh air, vitamin D, and all the sights and sounds of nature. Start the day with positive affirmations and make the conscious decision to be happy. Give yourself some credit for what you are able to do, look for a positive solution and congratulate yourself for trying at all." —Audrey Ditzler of Wholistic Fitness
"I set priority lists. I spend the most time on time-sensitive deliverables and accountabilities and then focus on those without deadlines. Thereafter, I attend to important tasks and eventually unimportant ones. Once my "A" list is empty, I reward myself with more freedom to focus on fun distractions. This time management reduces my overall stress and allows me to get more sleep, exercise more and take time for socialization. It is important for me to stay connected to those I love, so I carve out time for family and friends and use technology to my advantage—freeing me to spend quality face time." —Dr. L. Matthew Schwartz of Montgomery Health & Wellness"When I am taking a few hours to read my patients’ X-rays and 3D scans after hours, I bring in my acupressure foot massager and place my feet in for ultimate comfort. I am working to help my patients and taking care of myself at the same time!" —Dr. Beth Skovron of Heritage Dental
"When did running non-stop become a status symbol? Get enough sleep. Our body heals itself while we are asleep. Learn to say “no.” Think about whether you are saying “yes” to something because it will bring you joy, or if it is a need to be liked by others. “No” is a complete sentence, and there is no need to explain ourselves or feel badly for saying it." —Patti McDougall of Medicine In Balance"Tai Chi. Each guiding step, the deep breathing qigong exercises, all the wonderful and challenging balance movements are shared as a group. I lead, yet I follow. My students come with me on the journey and we de-stress together." —Charles Brynan of Pear Garden Tai Chi & Reflexology
September 2014.
