Time for Self Care

I DON’T HAVE THE TIME. This has been my most used phrase these past few weeks as I have been support raising. Every day I create a schedule of what I will be doing down to the minute. I think in my head, “Girl. Get it together. You only have three months to raise this money. There is no time to go to the movies with your friends! Think of all that time you could be using for support raising!” Then when I do decide to go to that movie I am overwhelmed with guilt. “Why didn’t I spend that time to write thank you notes? I could have used that time to make phone calls for appointments”.

I was talking to a friend at church about all the things I had to do and how crazy of a week it was going to be when she asked me, “When are you taking time for you?”. I brushed off the question with a laugh saying that I would be able to relax when I raised all of my support.  But I did think about that later. It is good to manage one’s time well and to work hard. However, I was having so much anxiety about raising support in time that I was not taking time for myself. It is so easy to look at the numbers and the time before you and think that there is no time to take time for a moment for yourself.

How can we bring the best versions of ourselves to our appointments when we are physically, emotionally, and mentally drained? My advice to you is to take that time for yourself! It is not selfish. It is not foolish or a waste of time. It is so you can remain refreshed and renewed. Maybe it is working on that puzzle, taking that walk, or going to coffee with your friend. Whatever it is, give yourself the time! You deserve it and will thank yourself when you arrive in your placement healthy, happy, and ready to serve.

If you not sure what you can do for self care, here are some ideas I found:

1. Try a new, healthy recipe.
2. Put your favorite song on and dance away!
3. Have an intense workout session.
4. Get up early and enjoy your morning coffee in peace.
5. Meet up with a friend.
6. Do a DIY project.
7. Read a good book.
8. Take a nap.
9. Go to a museum.
10. Journal.