Dan's Papers - July 3, 2009 - Practicing Self-Care

It's an unfortunate fact of modern day life that when finances or time gets tight, we cut back on those things we deem to be non-essential or even downright frivolous in our lives, such as our gym or yoga memberships, monthly massages and weekly pedicures. In actuality, these are the things that keep us sane and prevent us from throwing pots and pans at our loved ones, so they should really be considered necessities.

When you find yourself having to make a decision between paying your mortgage or letting your gym membership lapse, it's time to get creative. Obviously, you need to pay your bills, but you also need to find a way to incorporate fitness and time for yourself into your daily routine.

I'm going to use yoga as an example here, because for me, yoga is a way of life. Initially my reasons for practicing yoga were for the physical benefits of a strong, flexible body, but I have found over time that it is the mental, emotional and spiritual side of my yoga practice that keeps me coming back. It centers me, improves my focus, and halts the negative chatter that used to dominate my mind.

So rather then let my practice fall by the wayside as my work schedule has gotten busier and the financial markets crazier, I developed my own home practice. I started setting my alarm for the ungodly hour of 5 a.m., something I never in a million years thought I would be able to do, and have been relishing the time spent alone before my family stumbles downstairs looking for their morning feed.

The place I've set aside isn't anything special, just an area in the house with enough room for me to stretch out without knocking anything over. I set out my mat, meditate for five or 10 minutes, and then run through whatever series of poses I feel my body needs. Each day is different. At times I crave physical exertion and at times stillness. Some days I practice for over an hour and some days only 20 minutes. If I feel I need guidance from someone other than my inner being, I throw in a DVD from one of my favorite teachers.

The point is we cannot let the stresses of everyday life push aside the things we do to keep ourselves happy and healthy. If we stop exercising and practicing self-care, we become mere pack mules, toiling away at the daily grind, devoid of joy, buried under our never ending to-do list.

Get creative. Carve out time during your lunch hour, when the kids are napping, or before everyone wakes up. Say no to commitments that aren't going to bring joy into your life and use that time to go for a walk or write in your journal instead. Get your morning run in even if the laundry is piled sky high. You will be in a better frame of mind to tackle life's mundane chores if you've had the chance to clear your head and get those endorphins going. I challenge you to take at least a half hour every day this week to do something for yourself. Write it in your daily planner and make it a priority. You'll not only feel better, but you will be better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. And hopefully you won't be throwing any pots and pans at your loved ones, at least not this week.