As women we are the caretakers, the support of our families, physically and emotionally ... and more often these days, financially. We have such a critical role that it's imperative we take care of ourselves on all levels: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. You know the expression, if mama ain't happy, nobody's happy. We all know this to be true. And if mama isn't happy and healthy, who is going to take care of everybody else?
Knowing how important our role is to the smooth running of our families, why does it seem that we are on the bottom of the care list? When we care for ourselves as much as we care for others we are not only honoring and loving ourselves. We are honoring and loving our families, in a way that only someone who is whole, complete and healthy can.
Taking time for ourselves isn't selfish or indulgent, it's healthy and necessary. So let go of the "I'm not worthy" voice and make time for yourself. In a perfect world there is always time for exercise, lunch with friends, spa treatments and the occasional nap. But with the demands of work, family, and community, squeezing in a few quiet moments for ourselves seems next to impossible.
The next time you feel your energy dropping or are feeling overwhelmed, find a place where you can be uninterrupted for 5 to 10 minutes. Sit comfortably with your back supported by a chair back or wall. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths: Breathe in through your nose rapidly and deeply, and then exhale slowly through the lips, like you are slowly letting the air out of a balloon. Do this three times. Then begin breathing naturally through your nose, just normal unexaggerated breathing. Bring your attention to your nostrils, and simply enjoy the "breeze" of your natural breath going in and out through your nose.
After a minute or so, let your relaxed attention shift from your nostrils down into your lungs, feeling the gentle rising and falling of your breathing here. Then in a minute or so, let your awareness float down into your soft belly (no tight abs!), and enjoy the natural expanding and contracting of your belly as you continue to breathe normally. After a minute or so, come out of this exercise through gentle stretching. You will feel immediately relaxed and in a few moments, re-energized and ready to get back on the hamster wheel!