The Gift of Time

Today I want to challenge you to set aside some time to take care of yourself. So often we run ourselves in the ground, never stopping to simply be present and still. As women with demanding jobs, children to raise and households to run, it is easy to hit the ground running from the moment we get up to the moment we finally go to sleep at night. I think part of why so many of us struggle with mental health issues is because we don’t give ourselves the gift of time. Now, please understand that I’m not suggesting that all depression and anxiety issues are caused by a lack of self-care. I know there are spectrums to mental illness and many causes, but time alone to reflect in stillness would be a step in the right direction for everyone on the planet. Giving yourself time is the best way to treat yourself with kindness. And I don’t mean that you have to spend that time meditating (although I don't think that’s a bad idea). However, I don't mean using that time to zone out in front of your computer. I am guilty of doing this exact thing and I promise you that scrolling through Pinterest or any other social media platform mindlessly, doesn’t do you any good. So step away from your computer and/or T.V. and do something that will add joy into your day.

When was the last time you sat in a comfy chair or fluffy sofa and just read for fun? Can you remember the last time you took a long hot bubble bath? How about the last time you gave yourself permission to take a nap?

Turning off the noise is important for every one of us, but even more so for anyone who is dealing with mental health issues.

When you run yourself ragged you are more likely to be exhausted and overwhelmed, which is a terrible combination when you are already prone to depression and anxiety. Oftentimes when I feel myself veering toward self-destruction and the dark pit of depression, it helps to just stop and lay down and give myself some time to simply breathe. Just the simple act of breathing grounds me and helps get me in touch with what I’m experiencing in my body and mind. Often I realize that what I need more than anything is to recharge my batteries!

So why not make a promise to yourself that over the next day or two you will make self-wellness a priority? Carve out some me-time and know that no matter what you might tell yourself, you deserve it.