I spent this past weekend on the Oregon Coast with my parents, my partner, and our two dogs. I didn't realize how much I needed this time away until I came back on Sunday night and I noticed that my shoulders were a little less tense and my outlook a little more optimistic. Taking a walk on the beach, even on a cloudy day, was so healing. Research shows the sense of awe that I felt from taking in the beauty of the ocean can biologically boost my immune system and my mood. Most of the time I live in survival mode, just getting through my days, weeks, and months without looking up to see where I am going and why I am headed that way. The survival mode is a remnant from my grad school days. This kind of digging deep and pushing through, although helpful in the short term to get things done, wears on me over time. If I stay in the survival mode too long, I start to see the early signs of burnout, such as misplacing my belongings and forgetting what day of the week it is. Eventually, a fog of numbness settles in. This weekend was a good reminder to prioritize and practice self-care. After the weekend away, I feel much more ready to welcome my week with open arms rather than hiding under my covers when Monday morning arrives. I love this blog post from a favorite feminist blog on why self-care does not need an excuse. I need to practice self-care because... just because. How do you care for yourself? Improve Your Self-Care with the Help of a Ballard TherapistAre you running on empty most of the time? Do you struggle with burnout? Do you take care of yourself only after caring for everyone else? Burnout and exhaustion can be preventable. If you need extra help, support, or accountability to break the pattern of overwork and stretching yourself thin, therapy can help. Our excellent therapists are skilled at helping clients understand the root of their self-neglect to create long-lasting change. Get started with therapy by scheduling a 15-minute phone consultation.
1 Comment
Cindy Chain-Britton
3/27/2017 09:49:01 pm
I enjoy reading your blog to see the real you.
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