A mechanic’s car is always broken. A stylist or barber is always in need of a haircut. A relationship expert can never find true love. Sadly, this is not far from the truth when it comes to many of our lives. We are so busy taking care of others, ensuring that their needs are met, until we neglect to take care of ourselves. Life is full of hassles, appointments, deadlines, and frustrations. I’m sure you agree that stress from work, outside forces, and home life can certainly take its toll.
In the mid 1990’s, McDonalds came up with a catchy slogan asking consumers a simple question,“Have You Had Your Break Today?” Later, McDonalds revamped the slogan, stating, rather matter-of-factly, “You Deserve a Break Today.” How true that is! While it is necessary as responsible adults to support and be there for others, learning to stop, regroup, take a moment, and take care of“you” is one of the most important things you can ever do. In fact, taking care of “you” makes you better for those you love---a better mother or father, husband or wife, sister or brother, or son or daughter.
So, I’ll ask, “Have you had your break today?” If not, then you definitely deserve a break. It is so important to know your body’s limits as well as adhere to them. Why? Because tension, physical and emotional stress can manifest itself in your body in seen and unseen ways. Stress often resonates as extreme fatigue, heaviness, sleepless nights, weight gain, weight loss, irritability, temper flares, depression, and even hair loss. Aside from that, stress can also cause an onset of critical medical problems such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks; all of which can have devastating and or deadly consequences. In addition, tension that is stored in our necks, shoulders and face can lead to painful tension headaches, mental strain, and also show on our facial features. It is a fact that whatever is going on inside will show up outside. Stress can literally damage the skin in irreversible ways, causing the skin to look aged, tired and worn and can lead to complex changes that can be hard on the self-esteem. Eliminating, or at least combating the stress in your life can make for a happier, freer, and well adjusted you.
No longer put yourselves on the back burner. It’s okay to treat yourself periodically by splurging on pampering and giving yourself a bit of something you really want. Regardless of gender, we all need a little spoiling now and again. We should all have something in our lives that we can call special; something that you do just for “you.” That, my friend, is absolutely imperative to having a healthier you. Taking a little time out for “you” can be a big de-stressor and it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Now, if you can
afford the extravagant, by all means go for it, but if you can’t there are other ways of pampering yourself that can be just as effective. It can be something as simple as curling up in a nice warm afghan and reading a good book. Cooking your favorite meal or treating yourself at your favorite restaurant. Personally, I
prefer the holistic approach. My absolute favorite is indulging in long-long hot bubble baths. I call it “me time.”
And, it is clearly understood by my husband and children that “me time” is code for do not bother me. Usually my “me time”goes as follows: I run a warm bubble bath, preferably with lavender scented oils or something else that has a relaxing scent. I turn on soothing music (jazz is my favorite). I light aromatherapy candles all around the bathtub and I lay my head back and clear my mind of all clutter. As I soak in my homemade hot tub, I relax my mind letting it float freely. I listen to the therapeutic jazz music and meditate on God’s goodness. When I take these long hot baths, I purposely take time to release tension from my body and toxic feelings from my mind and spirit. I am a firm believer in the healing powers of water, so this
does wonders for me. As a result, my whole being (body, mind and spirit) reap the benefits.
Although important, “loving you” and “taking care of yourself” is not solely about getting your hair and nails done or buying a new outfit. By all means, take care of your appearance, because when you look good, you feel good. However, simply dressing up the outside alone does little to change what is broken in the inside. It’s about spiritual and emotional health, feeding your spirit with positive affirmations, making an investment in yourself, and taking responsibility for your well-being. This also includes setting yourself up for the future, setting goals, getting the education you need to be successful, securing financial savings, and keeping your body, mind, and spirit healthy. In the meantime, though…take a break!
In the mid 1990’s, McDonalds came up with a catchy slogan asking consumers a simple question,“Have You Had Your Break Today?” Later, McDonalds revamped the slogan, stating, rather matter-of-factly, “You Deserve a Break Today.” How true that is! While it is necessary as responsible adults to support and be there for others, learning to stop, regroup, take a moment, and take care of“you” is one of the most important things you can ever do. In fact, taking care of “you” makes you better for those you love---a better mother or father, husband or wife, sister or brother, or son or daughter.
So, I’ll ask, “Have you had your break today?” If not, then you definitely deserve a break. It is so important to know your body’s limits as well as adhere to them. Why? Because tension, physical and emotional stress can manifest itself in your body in seen and unseen ways. Stress often resonates as extreme fatigue, heaviness, sleepless nights, weight gain, weight loss, irritability, temper flares, depression, and even hair loss. Aside from that, stress can also cause an onset of critical medical problems such as hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and heart attacks; all of which can have devastating and or deadly consequences. In addition, tension that is stored in our necks, shoulders and face can lead to painful tension headaches, mental strain, and also show on our facial features. It is a fact that whatever is going on inside will show up outside. Stress can literally damage the skin in irreversible ways, causing the skin to look aged, tired and worn and can lead to complex changes that can be hard on the self-esteem. Eliminating, or at least combating the stress in your life can make for a happier, freer, and well adjusted you.
No longer put yourselves on the back burner. It’s okay to treat yourself periodically by splurging on pampering and giving yourself a bit of something you really want. Regardless of gender, we all need a little spoiling now and again. We should all have something in our lives that we can call special; something that you do just for “you.” That, my friend, is absolutely imperative to having a healthier you. Taking a little time out for “you” can be a big de-stressor and it doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Now, if you can
afford the extravagant, by all means go for it, but if you can’t there are other ways of pampering yourself that can be just as effective. It can be something as simple as curling up in a nice warm afghan and reading a good book. Cooking your favorite meal or treating yourself at your favorite restaurant. Personally, I
prefer the holistic approach. My absolute favorite is indulging in long-long hot bubble baths. I call it “me time.”
And, it is clearly understood by my husband and children that “me time” is code for do not bother me. Usually my “me time”goes as follows: I run a warm bubble bath, preferably with lavender scented oils or something else that has a relaxing scent. I turn on soothing music (jazz is my favorite). I light aromatherapy candles all around the bathtub and I lay my head back and clear my mind of all clutter. As I soak in my homemade hot tub, I relax my mind letting it float freely. I listen to the therapeutic jazz music and meditate on God’s goodness. When I take these long hot baths, I purposely take time to release tension from my body and toxic feelings from my mind and spirit. I am a firm believer in the healing powers of water, so this
does wonders for me. As a result, my whole being (body, mind and spirit) reap the benefits.
Although important, “loving you” and “taking care of yourself” is not solely about getting your hair and nails done or buying a new outfit. By all means, take care of your appearance, because when you look good, you feel good. However, simply dressing up the outside alone does little to change what is broken in the inside. It’s about spiritual and emotional health, feeding your spirit with positive affirmations, making an investment in yourself, and taking responsibility for your well-being. This also includes setting yourself up for the future, setting goals, getting the education you need to be successful, securing financial savings, and keeping your body, mind, and spirit healthy. In the meantime, though…take a break!
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