What ways do you perform self-care?

SGT Jennifer Rixe — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:25:39 -0400

Here's my scenario. I work 40+ hours during the week days, I attend college on campus at night, I work as an intern in a hospital 20 hours on the weekends, I do homework on my lunch breaks and in the evenings, and I am the power of attorney/caregiver for my disabled cousin....
I know I am a gluten for punishment but my question to you, my friends, what suggestions do you have for self-care; clearly I don't have much time on my hands... any thoughts?!

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 13 at 2018 12:34 AM

CSM Charles Hayden — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:34:14 -0400

SGT Jennifer Rixe As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, I was told again and again, “the caregiver’s most important task is to take care of the caregiver so they can continue providing care. THINK SMART - delegate - trust others - make time for yourself!

Response by SN Keagan Miller made Jul 13 at 2018 12:36 AM

SN Keagan Miller — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:36:38 -0400

I have been playing guitar for about 21 years now, and I know I’m biased but I think creative outlets are a great de-stressor. Also taking some time to get out in nature, just a little walk can do wonders!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 12:37 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:37:02 -0400

That is one tough schedule and very impressive that you manage that. Have you ever though of maybe taking an early morning run or maybe an early morning time at the shooting range? all depends on your interests of things you enjoy doing but feel you don't have much time to do.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 13 at 2018 12:42 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 00:42:19 -0400

SGT Jennifer Rixe Wow. You are a ambitious. I salute you! When I was attending college full time and working full time, I tried to carve out 30 minutes a day to do something that was relaxing. Most of the time, this activity was reading a book. Best wishes going forward.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 13 at 2018 5:49 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 05:49:59 -0400

I generally take a nice relaxing hot bath, set back and do a little reading and watch a little T V. After about an hour feel refreshed and take care of things for the next day.

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 13 at 2018 7:13 AM

Maj John Bell — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 07:13:40 -0400

Learn to say no.

Response by SPC Aubrey Zachary made Jul 13 at 2018 9:46 AM

SPC Aubrey Zachary — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 09:46:38 -0400

Ma'am...I will strongly suggest that you make time for yourself!!!! You are certainly committed to your goals & I will SALUTE you for this. However as you know in the Mental Health field your mind is like a computer & there are times that it/you may need a reboot. You live by a schedule meaning your are "schedulistic" (possibly not a word), like living by a calendar. Don't go into overload.... take time for yourself, even if it means that you "schedule" yourself some "ME Time", weekly for an your or two. OR make a day trip out of it & GET Away! I can relate to your scenario.

Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Jul 13 at 2018 10:53 AM

SGT Dave Tracy — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 10:53:13 -0400

At some point something's got to give. You only have so much time and energy to work with, but often you don't even know how much you have until you hit that limit. You're not doing yourself or others around you any favors by spreading yourself so thin as to be invisible.

Don't wait until you hit that limit to step back; to say "no"; to realign your priorities with your life; to take a break, and--where you can--let others shoulder some weight.

Response by PO2 David Girten Jr made Jul 13 at 2018 6:49 PM

PO2 David Girten Jr — Fri, 13 Jul 2018 18:49:41 -0400

If you have time, I like to take walks in the evening when it's quiet. Fresh air and solitude has been the key for me.