Have you ever felt like you keep going in the same cycles of pain? Do you feel like you are sick and tired of being sick and tired? So, I found myself in a cycle of trying to be in way too many places than I desired to be. Last week, I took time off from work to enjoy a relaxing time of fun with my family while celebrating my son and niece’s birthday.
Well, because I enjoyed myself, I sabotaged myself by adding more hours to my schedule because I felt like I needed to make up the hours where I was taking off. BIG MISTAKE. So, I did this thing and I haven’t even gotten through the week, but I also drive my children to their several activities, and by the third day of the week, I am exhausted. I have realized I have not taken any time for myself, and I am super tired and frustrated because I hadn’t seen anywhere to get help. But, was I taking on too many things? Yes, I was. I felt like I could be superwoman and work all these hours but the only thing I did was send myself into a downward spiral.
I am having nerve pain everywhere and I am having pain in my back to where it’s hard to move at times. Boy, does it hurt!
So, what should I be doing instead? I am thankful for the devotional I am currently going through in my community about being Made Whole, and because of that, I notice that working all the time serving others is one of my triggers when it's also something good in nature. That's how the enemy tricks you. Now that I'm aware, when I want to add hours from now on, I will stop and rethink it. Now I see that I have this pain that comes when I am overly busy, I am finding time for rest.
Self-care is so important and if we do not find time to make sure that we are cared for, how can we care for others? Self-care involves daily actions and choices. While some people only envision resting or relaxing, it’s about much more than that. It’s also about taking proactive approaches to sustain and maintain the best health you can possibly have while living with your condition. Practicing self-care can give you a sense of control and power over your circumstances. Even if there’s no cure for your condition, there is a lot you can do.
There is no one right way to practice self-care. You must work it around your own life, finding ways to implement self-care as much as you feel able. It’s a personal journey that you have to apply in context to the situation that you are in and the chronic condition that you have. But, some self-care activities anyone can do are eating a healthy diet, resting without feeling guilty, and keeping a good sleep routine.
These are just a few ways to make sure you are taking care of yourself. But, always remember, when you are noticing anxiety showing up, take it to the Lord in prayer for He cares for you (see 1 Peter 5:7). I am a living witness that while I may be going through this painful period, God is truly seeing me through it and helping me at the moment. Until next time, have an awesome week. I am going to get some rest!
I hope this information helps you on your journey. I have a community where I share more information like this. It is a faith-based community for women who deal with chronic pain and chronic illness seeking to become healthy and whole. If you are interested, feel free to click here. If you know anyone in need of help in this area, please direct them to the group.
I would like to share with you my Self-Care planner that gives you a Scripture or motivational message for each day while helping you stay on track with planning time for yourself each day. Grab your planner here!
