At the close of each year and the start of the new, many reassess their life and priorities. With the top goals being to lose weight and ease some of life’s stressors, loads flock to the gym and jump on the latest diet trend only to fall off before mid-year.
So often it’s heard that lack of time prevents a life focused on a healthy mind and body. This statement couldn’t be any more false. All that’s needed in a day is 30 minutes; 20 of which dedicated to the body with physical exercise and the remaining 10 dedicated to the mind with some form of meditation.
My avid readers, even those that have strolled through my social media photos, can see that I’ve struggled with weight over the years. What is difficult to see through the photos are the mental struggles endured. Through it all, I press forward with the philosophy that this health journey is life-long and if I could at least dedicate a few minutes a day, I’ll sustain sufficient over-all well-being. I’ve had people tell me that you’ve been able to succeed in wellness because you have more free time (with no kids or a husband to attend). Of course, I’d roll my eyes to the assumption. We never realize how much time goes unutilized until it’s gone.
Having said all of this, you could imagine my excitement when presented with the opportunity to speak with a nurse of whom manages a busy life-style while keeping her mental and physical health a top priority. Adaeze is currently working as a wound care nurse and understands the mental toil that comes with the profession. I asked her advice for those struggling with prioritizing their own well-being. Here’s the wisdom offered:
With patient care you sometimes go home thinking about the client. In order to relieve some of that burden, I read a lot to escape; even sometimes reading to a client or while working out. I make a conscious effort to put myself first. I dedicate mornings to self-care; pray, meditate, enjoy breakfast. With my schedule it’s easy to forget to eat throughout the day. In order to prevent this, I use my days off to meal prep. I work around my schedule to fit in gym time. As a nurse, I notice some patients lack motivation causing further deterioration or weight gain depending on the case. They would ask for more medication when all that’s needed is a change of mindset. The mind controls the body. My overall advice is to get and stay motivated. Change your mindset. Don’t be ashamed to take time for yourself; turn off your phone, take your paid time off, and even use your sick days. Self matters most.
When you make time to care for self everything else becomes more fulfilling. Here’s hoping that the year 2020 brings steady dedication to well-being and a clearer vision. I’d like to thank Adaeze for her advice. Below is her website.
Centralave.wordpress.com
Check out her blog for more awesome reading.
Until next time
Peace, hope, & love
Alisia Latoi
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