Regeneration for the Winter Season

As we enter the fall and winter season of another year our bodies undergo changes that our spirit must accommodate. In this hurry-up world where most of those who will read this are living on two continents, that spirit is already taxed more than we would like to think.

Cumulative affects of long term stress will eventually manifest themselves in the physical realm. Prevention is still the best medicine.

Daily existence takes a lot of energy out of everyone. People have too many directions to cover, responsibility for family members, to employers, society - the demand and the potential demand had never been so complex.

How much 'must' you do? How can you tell? When must you put yourself first? In my opinion, you must always put your own health first and before you begin shaking your head at how selfish that might be, think about this? How much better, how much more can you do if you are strong and healthy? How do you become/remain strong and healthy? By taking care of yourself.

What better time to begin paying attention than now at the end of summer in preparation for the cold weather.

There is no magic to taking care of yourself - the body still has the same needs it always had: adequate rest, nourishing food and regular exercise. How much sleep is adequate for each of us - only we know for sure. Adequate is when you get up the next morning and are able to function without the feeling that you are on auto-pilot.

Your diet? There are so many schools of thought on that that it would take a whole chapter - so let's just say balance your protein intake to feed your brain and organs, eat your vegetables not only for the fiber but for your skin, eyes and feeling of well being. Starches? Must you? If your answer is 'yes' choose carefully and never eat it combined with protein. Most importantly drink plenty of water to keep your machinery running like a well oiled machine.

If exercise is not a daily factor of your life, at least walk a half an hour during the morning and another in the afternoon. It will not give you a hard body, but it will keep your muscles from becoming too weak and refuse to carry your frame without pain. Pain killers are not the answer - prevention is.

Before we move on - let's remember that our body also has a spirit that too must be fed. If you have not paid attention to your spirit in the past or have neglected it - begin to look for what will feed your spirit. It is really NOT an option or a waste of time. In the long term it will make a significant difference in your overall health and well being.

So now that you've taken care of yourself, who is your next responsibility? Those of you who are married - it is your spouse. Thought I was going to say your children? It is a common mistake society makes, but the answer is that the next person on your list of priorities is your spouse. S/he will be with you after the children are gone and unless you nurture that relationship it will not be there for you or else you will find yourself living with a stranger.

Your children, depending on their age, need your care and attention but they also need to learn independence. Teach them daily that they are capable of many and some great things and they all come with practice. Don't overload them with activities they will benefit a great deal more from the closeness of a relationship within a family. Have them join you in volunteer or community projects.

Living overseas you are also coping with a different culture and keeping in touch with relatives. Don't allow your tasks to overwhelm you. Being organized is one of the best ways to manage the many outstanding 'things to do'. This also includes prioritizing your tasks and not expecting to do everything at once.

Saying 'no' must also become part of your vocabulary at some point. This will become easier with practice and by remembering that you must take care of yourself first and why.

If you need help with organizing, prioritizing or changing directions in your life, ask for help. Don't put it off - be ready for the holiday season by being fully present in your life in a pain free, radiant, healthy body. Feel free to contact me for an on-line or personal consultation.