Do you ever feel like your life and schedule are out of control? As women we sometimes find it hard to find five minutes to be alone and in quietness on any given day. We hear talks encouraging us to take time for ourselves, or to fulfil our dreams and passions, yet often we’re a split second away from screaming.
How do we nurture ourselves so that we can do what we need to in the long haul? We need to take time out to nurture our mind, body and soul.
Nurturing The Mind
I remember once being totally overwhelmed after a day at work. I just sat on the front step of my home totally depleted. The kids kept asking me what was wrong. All I could do was wave them away and say, “Just give me a minute, I’ll be okay.”
My mind was fried. I didn’t have any mental energy left. Sometimes we need to stop and get our minds in order. People often say they wish they had brain space and that is something we need to nurture.
One of the techniques I adopted when my children were small was to take a long shower. That seemed to be the only place where I could really be alone.
I would go to bed about 10 minutes before my husband and read something before I went to sleep. Whatever the technique, quietening your mind is imperative for longevity. Allowing space for quietness gives our brains rest from the stress of the day.
Nurturing The Body
There is a Catch 22 when it comes to exercise. If you feel tired, you may not exercise, however, if you do exercise you actually feel stronger and more energetic. Making exercise a priority in my life helps me manage stress.
Sometimes, going for a walk or to the gym by myself for an hour is the most peaceful time of my day or week. It gives me headspace and also helps me to build a strong body.
Making my body strong helps me to build strength in other areas of my life. The benefits are not just physical, but also mental. Exercise is a non-negotiable discipline in my life.
My personal trainer once told me that women are really bad at making themselves a priority. He told me I should make appointments with myself first. Following this principle has made exercise a priority in my life.
Nurturing The Spirit
Elizabeth Gilbert author of Eat, Pray, Love spent a year traveling to Italy, India and Bali in search of God — a modern day pilgrimage in search of peace and spiritual fulfillment.
I was impressed that someone would spend a year of their lives searching for God. How often do we really stop and consider our spiritual life? How much time do we dedicate to feeding our spiritual life?
No matter what our beliefs, or how busy we are, we all need to find time to get alone to pray or meditate every day.
It does not have to be a prayer on your knees by your bed. It can be while you take a walk, sitting in a chair by a window, under a tree or writing prayers or thoughts in a journal.
If you nurture your mind, body and spirit, your time will expand. You will gain a new perspective that will allow you to accomplish much more. Brian Koslow