Physical Self Care

How do you show your body love? I mean, how are you loving yourself – healthwise. I’ve realized that when I’m not feeling the greatest it’s typically because I’m neglecting something my body needs.

For example, sleep. I have incredibly sporadic and unhealthy sleep habits (or lack thereof, really). I enjoy sleep, but I typically don’t get enough, and then get too much. I’ll just keep going and going until I crash from exhaustion. I sleep a lot for a day or two, then repeat the cycle.

I don’t do this intentionally. Sometimes I feel tired and try to sleep, then just lay there. I’m not worried about anything or struggling mentally. At times, I might be excited about an upcoming project or idea. Other times, I really don’t have much on my mind.

I also wake up a lot when I do get to sleep, so it’s never that deep, full rest. Part of that is what I call small bladder issues, though from my understanding it’s not actually due to a smaller bladder, just a weaker bladder from several surgeries and whatnot.

Either way, my sleep and I don’t always get along. A few weeks ago there was so much for me to get done that I was sleeping about three hours a night. I would try to sleep and then just lay there with my eyes burning and completely delirious. Yet, still couldn’t sleep.

One thing I’ve tried to do is set a regular sleep routine. I know that’s what “normal” people do, but I’ve never been able to make that stick. Maybe I’ll try again. But my current lifestyle and choices include flexible and unpredictable timelines. That means I don’t have a usual bedtime or wake up time.

Instead, I’ll look for other ways to improve my health, and make it easier for my body to rest in between. One of my goals is to increase my water intake. I love water, but I’ve started drinking soda again, and added coffee somewhat regularly. Therefore, more water and less other stuff would be helpful.

My focus is showing myself love – in every way I can. When I’m feeling overwhelmed or antsy, my eyes have started to automatically go to the little sticky note on the corner of my monitor. It brings me to the present so I can choose to love myself in some way.

I may get up and stretch, drink some water, text a friend, or simply walk away from the computer and take a break for a while. It’s not always physical, because I know that loving myself in other ways helps my entire being as well. 

Sometimes I go have a quick chat with  myself in the mirror, out loud. Is that crazy? If so, then call me crazy. I’m working on showing myself the same love, compassion, gratitude, and care that I show the people I love the most. Why? Because I’m deserving of that same love, as well.

I actually joined a gym again and have a workout buddy. I’m hoping we can keep each other accountable and motivated, and work on being healthier.

I urge you to do something right now to show yourself love. Love yourself like you love your children, parents, pets, partners, friends, etc. You’re worth it!