Are you a Mom who feels like everyone else is more important than you? After you take care of the kids, your spouse, your parents, his parents … then, if there is any energy left, you look after yourself. While this may be good for your loved ones, you are missing an important point. If you burn yourself out, get too sore, or too sick, you won’t be able to look after them at all, and certainly not be able to live the happy life that you deserve.
“Hey Doc, I’m really stiff and sore across my shoulders and my headaches are killing me. “
“What have you been doing to bring this on?”
“Well, my son’s got a health problem and I have to do everything for him. My sister is going through chemo and her family needs help, and my best friend is getting married and wants me to be her matron of honour.”
“You have to think of yourself more. When you notice you are getting stiff, sore, or sick, it is time to make a few changes. Try to get a little more rest, more stretching time and something relaxing that is selfishly just for you. Learn to say no when it’s not in your best interest to take on more responsibility. Perhaps you need an adjustment or a massage. Maybe a weekend away with a friend.”
We see it in the office all the time and Lee Anne and I felt it was time to talk about it. Mom’s are great, but they really need to take care of themselves or they will be no good to anyone. Many of the problems we see in the office come from physical activities or injuries, but the stress of life’s demands can be very burdensome. We all need to keep an eye on our stress levels and keep up the Wellness approach to life – Move Well, Eat Well and Think Well. Moms may have to learn to say no, ask for some help from someone else and find a few things that help them reduce the effects of stress. Also, this message must reach the other members of the family who might be able to recognize this in “Mom’. She may not change until she is allowed to or encouraged to change, for her own good.