Doing it for YOU!

I am reminded everyday about how hard it is to take time for myself and I am sure many of you feel the same way: "I don't have enough time, I don't have enough money, I feel guilty." We are easily reminded that the economy is bad, pinch your pennies, work as much as you can, do more, do more, do more!!! Well, thanks to some very stressful events and some much needed personal TLC I have decided this summer to do less, focus on me, and allow myself a "break". I have to say, it hasn't been easy. If you know me at all you know I am a classic type A, people pleaser, multi-tasker, and go getter. I think that many of these personality traits have been a blessing in my life and they help me be successful. But, when it comes to focusing on me, I tend to be my own worst enemy.

Finding time for exercise, purchasing a gym membership, signing up with a personal trainer, getting a massage, going for walks at night, preparing a healthy home cooked meal, going on vacation with your family, spending Sunday at home in your PJs with the people you love... these all seem like luxuries we have to put on the back burner because "there are more important things to take care of". I say, if we don't take time to care for ourselves, how are we able to take care of others, be a productive employee, be an attentive husband/wife/mother/friend? I know this isn't the first time you have been told to do something for you and your quality of life will improve. But I also know, especially for myself, I have to be reminded that it is OK. That I have permission to give myself a little love and attention.

As a personal trainer I find myself equally concerned with my clients mental and physical well being. I can help them lose 10 lbs but if they are still unhappy, I don't believe that I helped them much. And, I have found that if I can help them adjust their daily mental stressors, they are more likely to improve their physical health. I also realize that telling you to take time for you sounds like I am saying "do more". Really what I am saying is - find balance.

So, here is your homework:

1. Do something for you. Weather that be taking time to go for that run, start exercising, or just actually taking a lunch break at work (you know you probably aren't getting paid for that hour!), do it and be okay with it. You have time and your trainer gives you permission.

2. Start your "What the heck did I do all day" list. Write down where your time goes - if you don't have time to take care of yourself, lets figure out why. Follow yourself for a few days and keep track of your day - how many hours do you spend sleeping, getting ready for work, at work, at school, at the gym, exercising, cooking, with the kids/loved ones/friends/pets... How much time do you spend daydreaming, brainstorming, reading, having sex, meditating, singing, dancing, laughing?

I will follow up with some suggestions on how you may be able to find a little more time for YOU in your day. It is the best medicine a doctor never prescribed.