Many people in the "helping" and "caring" fields (including mothers & fathers) experience burn-out and exhaustion. We are conditioned from an early age to "give", however many of us aren't taught how to receive! Sometimes learning to receive comes in the extreme form of a hospital bed, which isn't ideal. Caring for ourselves is as important as caring for those others in our lives... in fact, we do it better when we balance our needs and theirs. Here's why:
- By keeping our own energy reserves up, we offer a better quality care.
- Better quality of care/time often means less is needed (quantity).
- Giving poor quality time/care is detrimental on all fronts therefore there is less likely to be a return on investment ie appreciation.
- Without appreciation, giving becomes a thankless chore often resulting in bitterness and resentment.
- Ongoing bitterness and resentment lead to (over time) an alteration of our cellular structure giving rise to particular diseases.
- Your children thrive, when you are thriving. They learn that it's OK to take time out for themselves, because you are actually role-modelling that (not just saying it!) giving them permission to engage in the activities that bring them joy and energise them. Your patients and clients feel valued more by you, as opposed to being a burden. Appreciation is shown more - contributing to your sense of value. Allow someone to do something for you this week, and resist the urge to do anything - except say THANK YOU. You'll have just given someone else a wonderful gift - an opportunity for them to give something to you.
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