What Happens When You Put Yourself Last
By Sandy Schroeder
Mom, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, and spouses, it's time to cut yourself some slack! In a very challenging time, many of us have put ourselves last in line to keep everyone in our world happy, safe and comfortable.
We have gone the last mile to keep things level and everything intact.
If you can relate, you may realize you automatically pay attention to everyone else's needs before your own.
As an adult with a spouse, children, seniors, or pets, you do need to make sure they are safe and healthy receiving the care that they need. You also need to maintain your work schedule and take care of the million and one other details of life. You simply would not let these things go untended.
However, no matter what your responsibilities are, you as an individual need some time to just relax, breathe, and enjoy each day.
If you can relate as you regroup and look to the future, it may be time to ask yourself some questions.
- Do you make yourself available 24/7 on your cell or on your laptop?
- Do you lose sleep as you worry about everybody else?
- Do you eat on the run and grab junk food and franchise stuff or takeout to just keep going?
- When's the last time you laughed?
- Do you make time to talk with friends and share support?
Unexpected Consequences
When you put everyone else first, sacrificing your health, sleep and well-being, accidents can occur or your body may pay the price with long range changes, putting you at risk for serious diseases or heart conditions. You may become depressed, forgetting to relax and actually enjoy what you can in the present moment. It's hard to take care of everything when you overload yourself.
Pace Yourself
On the other hand, I have several friends and family members who do an excellent job of keeping their loved ones safe and running a tight ship, but they also take care of themselves.
- They eat three healthy meals a day
- They reach out to friends, family and neighbors
- They set aside time In the morning or evening to pause for meditation or prayer
- They maintain a schedule to get the day's tasks done
- They delegate tasks to allow time for the important ones
- They exercise daily walking, running, working in their gardens or playing with their kids
- They leave weekends open for family picnics, parties, suppers or brunches
- They bike, hike or camp too
Wherever you are with your commitments and your life, stop and take a deep breath. Look around. Be thankful for what you have and cut yourself some slack whenever you can.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractic at The Joint Chiropractic in Irvine, Calif.