As a society, we often place a heavier emphasis on one’s physical health. Making sure we go for our yearly physicals, our routine blood checks - but we neglect the elephant in the room.
That truth - that our health is all-encompassing - a delicate balance and interplay of one’s overall physical health, emotional health, spiritual health, and social health. Not merely the "veneer" of showing up to those various markers in life (e.g. dressed for work, perfect 'Gram shot, Holiday cards).
Often clinicians and professionals will say words like “healthy functioning”.
Let's break that down into what that means, and for you to reflect on where you might be in your life.
Connection:
Are you taking time to connect with people that fill your cup?
Or are you isolating and not reaching out?
We are social creatures derived from both survival and necessity. Our ancestors did not singularly hunt, gather, child-rear, cook, feed, and guard. They worked together, dividing tasks, permitting each other rest and healing in order to benefit the whole.
The archetypes of individualism in our modern society fall short in being able to foster and nurture connections.
We are not islands. We are not meant to function alone.
Find your tribe.
“The walls of isolation are not as solid as your suffering makes them seem.” - Deepak Chopra
Daily Activities:
Are you able to complete the tasks that are required of you? It might mean getting to school or work on time. Dropping the kids and picking them up on time. Paying rent on time. Remembering to shower regularly. Eating regularly. Sleeping a normal range of sleep for you.
Or are you forgetting things you would usually remember? Are you going days without restful sleep? Are you rushing haphazardly to that Zoom call?
Sometimes we overlook the actual data points of our lives. Yes; you are "making it to work". Yes; you are "showing up".
But, what is it like behind closed doors? Are you able to stay on top of your dishes and laundry? Is it taking you an inordinate amount of time to permit people to come over to your home? Have you left your house this week?
Basic daily tasks may sound simple, but are the building blocks to creating routine, productivity, and structure.
Rome wasn't built in a day.
All you need to do is begin.
Sense of Self:
How do you speak to yourself? Do you speak to yourself with good humor, gentleness, and flexibility? Do you engage in activities or hobbies that nurture your soul and spirit?
Or are you finding yourself constantly putting others needs before your own? When was the last time you spoke to your heart with affirmations and grace?
We are learning creatures. We model what is given. Realistically, we have no choice in the families and systems we are born into.
Do you hear a voice in your mind that spews self-deprecation? Is that the overwhelming narrative you are feeding yourself?
If we have learned something dysfunctional, all that means is we are capable of learning. Which means we can learn something new if you so desire.
Learning takes time and repetition. But it also takes patience, encouragement, and persistence. Is a baby chastised for stumbling in her first steps?
Let us become the cheerleaders we deserve.
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