Self Care - Are You Dying Inside?

​“Are you dying inside?”

As we rush around in our lives with a million and one things sucking us dry of physical, emotional and mental energy, what gives? Who will suffer because of it? And how will we recover from the desert that this life creates of our bodies, minds and souls?

The answer is simple. You will give and break. You will suffer. You will be bone-dry and unable to meet life’s demands…physically, emotionally, mentally.

The demands of this life are monumental, crushing, and unattainable at times. This rat-race featuring humans who believe they are super-human, attempting to overcome all the pressures of this life in their own strength with no thought of the consequences until…You are finished. Completely and utterly wasted with nothing left to give your life or those you love in it. Sound familiar? This is called “burn-out.” It is debilitating and leaves you broken, feeling like a failure, lacking the ability to even so much as find the will-power to get out of bed in the morning.

But there is hope!  Recovery is self-care.  To our shame, this word is as elusive as the application of it. We begrudgingly bestow upon ourselves a catnap here or a bubble bath there. Is this what self-care looks like? Not in the least! Self-care is the daily, routine, intentional tending to one’s physical, emotional and mental restoration. It is un-rushed and deliberate. It is loving and kind, not begrudging or stingy.

The personal application of self-care can take on many forms and is truly limitless. In my own life, my self-care is comprised of acts and things that bring me joy, relaxation, fulfillment, and peace.  A walk outside (without my phone!), comfort food, a glass of wine, an episode of my favorite show, a good book, manicures, a Gua Sha session. All these forms of self-care are rejuvenating and impart life to my tired body, mind and soul.
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And so I ask you. Will you choose self-care over the daily degradation of your being? What brings you joy, relaxation, fulfillment and peace? Make a list. Execute one today. Be intentional about the restoration of your body, mind and soul!
 
Live your best life!
Amy Potgieter, LMT, BS Community Health Education