We had the biggest garden in the neighborhood! No kidding.
We went out early in the morning, walked through rows and rows of corn until the wheel barrow was full and over flowing only to have to huck each ear that we picked and making sure not to let that white hair on the cob.
On the same day we picked what seemed to me like at least a hundred rows of peas and…(long rows I might add), but in all reality maybe 6 or 7 rows. And get this…we hauled the peas all by hand! The day my mom found a place to take the peas that actually went into a machine, imagine that! and… bingo…done! That was the best day ever!
Why is it that we feel the need to be productive all the time and… guilty if we’re not?
For me… it’s the culture I was raised in. I was taught to work and work hard. Always another weed to pull in the garden. Clean the house, help with meal prep…(not really my cup of tea). For the most part my older sister cooked and I cleaned. I preferred it that way. Lazy was not in our vocabulary. But one thing I learned is work ethic and for that I am grateful.
Do you feel guilty taking a nap in the middle of the day? I know I do, I feel like I always need to be productive. Really now; I certainly don’t want to look lazy do I? But guess what? I’m starting to change that mind set. In fact today I did just that! I took a nap! And it felt amazing!!
I’m learning that I need to be kind to myself. To treat my body and my mind with respect. Taking care of me is important. I may be learning it a bit late in life but non the less… It’s true. If I don’t schedule something and put (ME) on my calendar, I wouldn’t get it done. And no, it’s not being selfish to take care of you. In fact, it should be a priority. If mama is tired and grouchy ain’t no one happy and believe it or not… we do set the tone and the atmosphere in our home. If MaMa ain’t happy; ain’t no one happy. I kinda don’t like that.
Recharging our batteries is so so important!
Here are things I do:
- shopping totally by myself with no agenda and no time frame
- coffee with a friend at my favorite coffee shop
- sitting on my porch with a good cup of coffee and no agenda
- getting a pedicure while sitting on a relaxing massage chair
- taking a walk with my dog
Most times I am energized by people but I do need my space and alone time too.
Maybe just a walk is all you need. Walking can help relieve stress. It’s when I think and pray and listen to music. Did you know that breathing fresh air and feeling your body move is a natural stress-relief?
Studies found that walking in a natural environment had greater effects for stress relief than walking in an urban setting. If you don’t live in the country, try finding a park or a beach a lake or the mountains… somewhere where you are surrounded by nature and see if it makes a difference. Remember, it’s like charging your batteries. Dead batteries get you no where.
But…back to that nap! I think I’ll do more of those. Seriously! And without guilt. Well maybe just a twinge.
So…how do you recharge and refuel? What are some ways you unwind from the stresses of life? Please comment below.
I highly recommend that power nap! Even 15 minutes. It’s really ok. Just remind yourself you’re not lazy. Just like we keep our car full of gas to keep going down the highway…so it is with our bodies.
We need to refuel (US) so we can keep going for our families and... all the demands put on us as women.
By all means I highly recommend putting a diffuser with essential oils in your home and also in your bedroom while you sleep.
Check out some of my favorites self care, feel good oils.
- Orange - Uplifting
- Stress Away - (my favorite) helps remove stress
- Rosemary -eases anxiety
- Basil - fights mental fatigue
- Helichrysum - clarifying and grounding
P.S.
Self care is not being selfish. In fact it’s essential in finding peace in this crazy, sometimes overwhelming world we live in. We are better at supporting other by being refreshed and strong in order to serve and support other.
Smile at someone today, it’s contagious
Verna Smoker
Young Living Support
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