Today’s podcast examines consequences and self-care ideas for use during times of stress, trauma and transition. Begin brainstorming your unique self-care strategy and more specifically, hear how several women’s emotions (negative and positive) were helpful for them and used for good.
~~~~~~~
“Self-care is never a selfish act. It is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to our true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” ~Parker Palmer
Show Notes:
You are responsible for creating a life that harmonizes to the unique individual you are now today AND to the situation in which you find yourself right here, right now.
How you take care of yourself now will either be an asset or a detriment to your quality of life 10 years from now.
The ‘Musts’ in being Mindful of your Self-care and Strategies for Success in Recovery:
Physically:
Consequences of not doing self-care in this area: sleep disturbances, hypertension, heart disease, decreased immunocompetence, etc.
Self-Care ideas- which one(s) intrigue(s)/interest(s) you?
- Exercise regularly.
- Practice deep breathing techniques.
- Eat healthy with a minimum of additives- eat good food.
- Spend more time with people who love you.
- Ask for what you need (practice naming needs when not in crisis or what you imagine you will need in a crisis).
- Other
Mentally:
Consequences of not doing self-care in this area: eating disorders, substance abuse, over medicating, irrational thinking, over-thinking, negative self-talk, etc.
Self-Care ideas- which one(s) intrigue(s)/interest(s) you?
- Learning new things.
- Complete a puzzle.
- Spend time in quietness and meditation.
- Focus on problem solving rather than being stuck in the upset of the problem in front of you.
- Pay attention to the thoughts that consume you. Do you know how to capture your thoughts and retrain your brain?
- Other
Spiritually:
Consequences of not doing self-care in this area: emptiness, the loss of meaning, martyrdom, loss of previously held beliefs/values, etc.
Self-Care ideas- which one(s) intrigue(s)/interest(s) you?
- Invite God to a face to face discussion.
- Share your greatest joy or your most recent struggle with God.
- Notice when your mind wanders and invite God into your wanderings.
- Write out your prayer to God.
- Other
Emotionally:
Consequences of not doing self-care in this area: anxiety, feeling helpless, hopeless, feeling fearful, increased sadness, feelings of powerlessness, inflated anger, contempt (self and/or other centered), etc.
Self-Care ideas- which one(s) intrigue(s)/interest(s) you?
- Notice your feels on a regular basis and name where/when/in what way they get inflated or deflated.
- Write down what you notice.
- Learn self-regulating skills. This will be helpful and is a huge asset for stresses in your life.
- Name any co-dependent behavior. Where are you doing something for someone that they can do for themselves? Are you sure?
- Other
Celebrate the benefit of being an emotional being. You were made in God’s image- the scriptures are full of examples of a loving Father that emotes on your behalf for good.
To help me further explore the area of emotions, I asked several women of different ages and backgrounds to share examples from their own lives of how they have used their emotions for good.
1st Share: Anger & Pain
2nd Share: Anticipation
3rd Share: Disgust
4th Share: Fear
5th Share: Joy
-Sadness
-Surprise
6th Share: Trust
7th Share: Passion
-Love
-Shame
-Guilt
If you find yourself struggling with the challenges, transitions and/or traumas of life and would like to be kept informed about some resources I am developing, please click here, so I can send you more information as it becomes available.
A special thanks to each beautiful soul who shared during this podcast!