MAKE TIME FOR YOU
Making time for yourself is essential.
Taking time for yourself means different things to different people. For some people it is going on a run or spending time on a hobby they enjoy, for others it is a long soak in a bath. It is important that you find what works for you. A place to clear your mind, where you can relax.
Taking a little time for yourself often feels counter intuitive in this fast paced world we live in. We are busy all the time and it often feels as if there are more pressing things to do than taking a break. But it is essential for everyone, especially if you are trying to get well again.
Here are a few ideas of some ways you can make time for yourself. They should help you to relax, which may help you to heal quicker.
Meditation…
…but not as you know it.
I will tell you a secret. I hate mediation. I know it is good for me, but honestly I don’t like it. I feel awkward and I can’t seem to get comfortable, so I’m always squirming, which isn’t the point. If this is you too, then don’t worry, I have the perfect type of meditation for you.
It is called yoga nidra. And you do it lying down. That’s right, you lie down on your back and listen as they talk you through breathing and relaxing. Not a crossed leg in sight. Some people say 40 minutes of yoga nidra is equivalent in rest to 4 hours of sleep and we all know how important sleep is, especially if you are trying to get well.
My preferred yoga nidra is from Big Shakti. I like it for several reasons. I find his voice calming, which is important. I also like the fact that he says that it is ok if your mind wanders. It makes me feel that it’s ok not to get it right all the time and to find it difficult. As well as being a Swarmi he is also a fully qualified doctor in Australia.
Here is a link if you want to try it - Yoga Nidra. You can listen to a short segment before buying it and it comes through as an instant download so you can start immediately, if you want to. (This is not an affiliate link. I am just sharing information I found useful.)
Yoga…
If lying down and breathing is not for you (although I do recommend you try it) then yoga is known to be really beneficial for everyone.
Again, it can be difficult to find a teacher that you like, or even a type of yoga that suits you.
My favourite teacher is Lilley Harvey. She owns Peacock Tree Yoga in York. She is a true yoga professional and she understands the benefits of yoga for your health, attributing it to helping her recover from an auto immune disease.
She is currently running online classes once a month, with access to her back catalogue of classes as well, for just £15 a month. Even better, each class comes with a 10 minute stand alone section in the beginning. Great if you are just starting out or if you only have 10 minutes that day. I recommend trying her hatha yoga class for a gentle start to your day.
Check out her website here Peacock Tree Yoga and send her an email if you want to try her online classes.
(Remember to consult your medical professional before starting on a new exercise regime.)
Photography…
Any hobby that you enjoy can be really beneficial to your health and well being. I think photography is a great hobby because it gives you a reason to go out outside, even when you don’t feel like it.
Sometimes going a walk for it’s own sake can feel like a struggle. But if you are going on a walk to photograph the flowers, or to photograph a particular tree or landscape, or even to photograph people in the park, then you have a reason to get outside and a purpose when you are out.
There are many different types of photography, landscape, garden, architecture, street photography to name just a few.
Photography also forces you to live in the moment. Do I want to photograph this flower or that one? Does this person running in the park make a better subject than that person with a dog? It helps you to connect with what is going on around you and to enjoy your surroundings more.
Of course you can have a big camera and lens if you want to, but if you are just starting out a smart phone will do. In fact I’ve seen some amazing images taken on smart phones.
If you can’t walk far then photographing your garden, or even your window box, will enable you to notice the changes in weather and seasons and help you feel more connected to nature.
So next time you don’t feel like going outside, try going out with a purpose and see if it helps.