Family Wellness Tip
You love your kids and grandkids. You would do just about anything for them if it would ensure their safety, happiness and success, right?
WHAT IF THE BEST WAY TO TAKE CARE OF THE FAMILY IS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF?
If you think this is a selfish thought, it isn't.
A family is a like a chain. It is only as strong as the weakest link. Your personal well-being directly supports the rest of the family chain.
If you think this is an impossible task, think again.
What if emotional and physical well-being could happen in simple and small ways throughout your day? In fact, what if these strategies could be used in a way that didn't require any more time than you have right now? Would you be interested, then?
RIGHT NOW: Think of a routine life task-- ANY task that repeats itself in your life.
Filling up the gas tank. Mowing the lawn. Doing the dishes. Paying the bills. Driving to work. Grocery shopping. Folding laundry. Hanging out with friends. Brushing your teeth. Changing a diaper. Getting the mail.
DID YOU KNOW THAT AT THE SAME TIME YOU ARE DOING THESE TYPICAL DAY TO DAY TASKS, YOU COULD ALSO BE USING STRATEGIES THAT HELP YOU INCREASE CALM and FOCUS?
Let's start with the strategy, Calming Breaths, for example. By slowing and controlling the way we breathe, we can actually REDUCE the stress inside our brain and body. Use this strategy during times of transition, between projects or whenever you want to let go of tension and begin to experience a sense of calmness. Yup, even as you are doing a simple household chore or work task.
AND it takes 5 SECONDS to do.
HOW TO DO A CALMING BREATH.
- Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, first filling your lower lungs, then your upper lungs.
- Hold your breath to the count of "three."
- Exhale slowly through pursed lips, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach.
Practice this Calming Breath Strategy at least ten times a day for several weeks.
If you do this 5 second strategy 10 times a day-- you only spend 50 seconds on yourself.
50 seconds that could improve your sense of well-being.
50 seconds that strengthens you.
50 seconds that makes your family stronger.
When you are stronger, you are more able to support others.
50 seconds isn't selfish.
WANT TO KNOW ABOUT MORE SELF-CARE STRATEGIES THAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY FIT INTO YOUR LIFE?