This is the time of year when we all could use a little boost. It’s early February, much of the country is frozen (especially here in the Northeast) and people are starting to wish out loud for spring. New Year’s resolutions are either firmly in place or just as firmly out of place. Feels like a good time to check in on how I’m caring for myself.
In December, I laid out an entire self-care plan (check it out here).
As I was packing for my Canyon Ranch visit, a phrase echoed through my head: Ho bisogno di . Translated from Italian, it means “I need” . It was all I could think while I was packing:
- I need this self-care.
- I need to invest the time, money and energy it takes.
- I need to recoup and recharge.
My Canyon Ranch time provided all of these things and more (check out the more right here. No one who knows me can believe I actually did this).
So how’s my self-care going now? Pretty good, actually. Here’s what’s working well:
- My trainer is pushing me twice a week. I’m down almost a pant-size!
- My husband, dog and I walk 2 or 3 times per week.
- I’m also training for More Magazine’s Half-Marathon.
- I’m getting the regular chiropractic care I need.
- I’ve done additional EMDR sessions which have really helped me.
- Regular doctor visits and blood-work confirm that I’m nearly perfect (My doctor loves to say “People would kill for your blood-work results.” I hope not.)
So what needs more work?
- Ironically, my eating is a little off-track. As a nutritionist, it’s easy to fall into the trap of confusing the fact that I know exactly what to eat with what I’m actually eating. It’s been a little more meat, a little more cheese and desserts. So I’ve got my food diary out to keep myself honest.
- Daily deep breathing has fallen off. I’ve set reminders in my computer’s calendar program to get me back on track.
- This is a fun one: schedule a massage!
What’s your need? Spend a little time asking yourself this question, then listen to the answer.
Another need of mine? To be involved in a strong wellness community. That’s why I’m grateful for Prevention Not Prescriptions.
This has been a tough year for me physically. I’ve struggled with pain and fatigue symptoms that have so far defied a specific name despite my healthcare providers’ best efforts. At this point, I have to say I believe the cause is: neglect.
