On Taking Care of Yourself and Others

Winter brings the need for self-care into sharp focus for me.  Most mammals hibernate but for some reason humans feel like they need to rush around as usual with no recognition that the seasons have changed.  This brings on depression, exhaustion and sickness.  

If I am sick, I do not go to work and I do not go on social outings.  You do yourself and others a favor by allowing yourself to rest and by not spreading your germs.  I can't tell you the number of times people have shown up at work seriously ill.  The work will always be there.  Even when you  cease to exist, the work will still be there.  Let that give you some perspective.  

Even more maddening is when people show up for social functions when they are sick.  I sat down next to someone at a vegan function at a restaurant once and when I went to shake their hand, they said they were sick.  I moved to another seat and I did not apologize for it.  I recently had a dinner at my home.  One of my friends declined because she was sick.  I really appreciated that she cared enough to think of others and also to take care of herself.  

The plan that I've formulated to get through winter entails slowing down, way down.  I take off significant time from work in January and February, when things are at their gloomiest in Rochester.  I do less things outside the house.  I do less things inside the house.  I listen carefully to my body and my mood and I plan or unplan accordingly.  I intentionally lessen the amount of stress in my life.  I spend time in meditation.  I create space in my body and mind with gentle yoga.  I take my vitamins and I try to eat warm nourishing things.  I get lots of sleep and take naps on the weekends. 

Take some time everyday to take care of yourself.  Re-prioritize if you need to.  Examine your feelings of "missing out", if you have them.  And remember that filling your well is not selfish.  It allows us to be more balanced, make better choices, and help others more effectively.