"I am tired all the time... I don't have energy for anything!" Recognize yourself? I am struggling with the chronic fatigue syndrome for decades. The unreasonable expectations of my Soviet parents in the Oriental (Uzbek) culture full of harmful comparisons and ‘must’s’ made me grow up into an unhealthy workaholic… "Better! Higher! Faster!" I didn't let myself to rest properly. I didn't know how to ... Having my second child during Covid pandemic and other challenges of my life in the past few years just nailed me. I was experiencing burn out symptoms with a baby in my hands...
Parenting is exhausting indeed. Physically, mentally and emotionally. Mostly for Moms, but also for Dads. We don’t have a chance to get rest. There’s always so much to do! And we’re stuck in this vicious circle: we don’t let ourselves to rest, we don’t know how to actually relax and to nourish ourselves. Moreover, we don’t get a chance to do it... And you wonder why you always feel exhausted?
How can you keep your energy, happiness, creativity, and relationships fresh and thriving in the midst of never-ending family demands, career pressures, and the stress of everyday life? Dr. Dalton-Smith.
Recently, I discovered her book “Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity”. Dr Saundra Dalton-Smith, the American physician and award-winning author who helps the stressed-out and burned-out people "to live their best life". She prescribes lifestyle change by incorporating seven types of rest into our life: physical, mental, emotional, social, sensory, creative and spiritual. She adds that lack of any of these types of rest can negatively affect your health, happiness, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Have a look.
Physical rest. You should ensure to get sleep 8-10 hours of sleep within 24 hours or try out an active rest such as sports, yoga or a simple walk.
Mental rest. It's important to digest or - as some psychologysts say - to process your thoughts, emotions and experiences. By journaling or meditation, for example. Give yourself mental breaks throughout your day.
Emotional rest. Be reminded that strong emotions, both positive and negative, can be overwhelming and exhausting. In severe cases, it can lead to depression and anxiety. Find what fills up your emotional tank and do that regularly as part of your self-care routine. I like creating content, for example.
Social rest. Spending time alone or in a company of positive and supportive people to recharge your batteries.
Sensory rest. Most of us live in a busy and fast city. Lots of information non-stop. It gives us sensory overload due to the overstimulation by sounds, sites and environments. Try to switch off the lights, light some candles and sit in silence. Rest from the noise of the daily life.
Creative rest. When tired of problem-solving, we crave a creative rest such as spending time in nature or visiting museum or arts exhibition. Savior the beauty in any shape and place...
Spiritual rest. When you feel like you've lost your path and meaning of life, say a little prayer... Or ask your family and friends about it to get back in touch with your life goals and to see the bigger picture.
"Staying busy is easy. Staying well rested – now there’s a challenge" emphasizes Dr. Dalton-Smith. If I can’t figure out what I need, I sit down and define the type kind of fatigue I am feeling this week and plan my weekend accordingly. How do you decide on your rest and weekend plans?
Take the Time to Get Rest!
It’s time for you to start applying what you have learned from this article. You have 7 types of rest ideas to begin today or this weekend. Add your own. Get creative. But make sure to stay consistent and the most importanly - ENJOY it! Make your first life-changing move! Or if you're having hard time, you can also find more helpfull and motivational resources for free on our website as well as individual life-coaching for parents.
Our SelfCare Program is based on the concept that your physical, mental and emotional health is a priority. As a parent, you should undertake regular actions to keep your batteries in check and to restore balance when needed. As the instruction on the plane: "Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on your child". During an introduction session, I will make a personal SWOT analysis (your sthregnths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to identify the gaps in your selfcare, define the areas for improvement and put a Customised Plan into motion.
Visit our website. Read The Blog. Book Your Life-Coaching Session. Don't be a stranger. Share your opinion with us, leave a comment below this post. If you have more questions after reading (or in the future), leave your comments below the post or contact us.
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