Have you ever kept going even though you were exhausted?
Your schedule was full, yet you agreed to one more responsibility. You skipped your break because someone needed you. At another point, you might have stayed up later than you planned because you were taking care of everyone else.
This week, we are working on Step 3 of my 10 Steps to Self-Care Challenge:
“Don’t be a people pleaser.”
On Monday, we talked about the difference between kindness and people-pleasing. Today, however, I want to bring our bodies into conversation.
Our bodies need care, too.
NOTICE WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING LOW
Life requires energy. Therefore, rest is not something we should only consider after we become completely exhausted.
Instead, check in with yourself throughout the day.
Are you tired?
Have you eaten?
Have you had water?
Does your body need movement after sitting for long periods of time?
Have you been staring at a screen without taking a break?
Do you need a quiet moment?
These questions are not selfish. In fact, they can help you become more aware of the basic care your body needs.
STOP WEARING EXHAUSTION LIKE A BADGE OF HONOR
Being busy can make us feel productive. However, being constantly exhausted is not a requirement for being helpful, successful, or loving.
People-pleasing can make rest especially difficult.
For example, you might feel guilty sitting down when someone else is working. Likewise, you may believe you should always be available when family or friends need you.
Still, your body has limits.
Resting does not mean you do not care.
PUT YOURSELF ON YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
If you are regularly available for everyone except yourself, try scheduling one small wellness activity.
Take a short walk.
Drink your water.
Prepare a nourishing meal.
Stretch for five minutes.
Sit quietly.
Go to bed at a reasonable time.
Additionally, choose something realistic. A five-minute break can be more useful than an elaborate wellness routine you never have time to complete.
PRACTICE A PHYSICAL PAUSE
Before adding another task to your day, pause and check your energy.
Ask:
“Do I realistically have the capacity for this today?”
Your answer might be yes.
If so, wonderful.
Alternatively, your answer might be, “Not today.”
You could say:
“I can’t do that today, but I can help another time.”
“I need to rest first.”
“I don’t have room in my schedule today.”
“I can help for 20 minutes, but then I need to leave.”
Setting a limit does not erase your kindness.
Instead, it helps you decide what you can realistically give.
CARE FOR YOURSELF BEFORE YOU REACH EMPTY
You do not have to earn water, food, movement, sleep, or a moment of rest.
Those are basic parts of caring for your body.
Of course, self-care cannot prevent every illness or eliminate every stressful situation. Persistent or concerning physical symptoms also deserve appropriate medical attention.
Still, daily habits can support our overall well-being.
Therefore, this week’s challenge is not about doing less simply for the sake of doing less.
It is about becoming aware of your limits.
Before you automatically push through exhaustion because someone needs something from you, check in with yourself.
You can care about other people.
You can show up for the people you love.
At the same time, you should care for the body carrying you through your own life.
Your needs belong on your schedule, too.
References
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Caring for Your Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
About Sleep
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Health Benefits of Physical Activity for Adults
https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/health-benefits/adults.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
About Water and Healthier Drinks
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/water-healthy-drinks/
