Self-Care 101

I tell my students, family and friends to only fret about the things we can control. Well, no matter how happy, sad, angry, ecstatic, frustrated, scared or upset we are about recent events, the outcome is the outcome and it’s time for self-care 101 because the snow is already flying here in the Rocky Mountains and winter is coming.

A book I’ve been reading just discussed this exact point, which I found very fitting as the clocks have been rolled back and more darkness has set in. The author talked about doing the one thing that you love to do at least one hour a day. I know for some of us, that’s not easy. We have more pressing matters and we just can’t find the time, but I can assure you that it will help. Focusing intently on something you enjoy, in all probability, will not make your life any worse.

Read that book. Go to the gym. Tie those flies. Go fishing. Hike. Buy those concert tickets. Cook that difficult meal that you’ve been craving for two weeks; do it.

Putting off the things we enjoy might mean we never end up doing them. Life is just too short. I’m fully aware that’s a cliché, but we’re all living it even if we don’t realize it or we’re grappling to accept that fact. I have friends from high school that have children who are teenagers. They’re the age of the kids in my class! I can’t believe that, but time truly does fly.

What are you doing with that time, because doom scrolling (especially the past few days) is not going to help. I’m not judging, because I spend my time on social media as well, but in moderation. I usually watch reels during lunch because having a laugh before more students roll into class is never a bad idea, but as I like to say, everything in moderation including moderation.

Recently, I’ve been teaching the Fall of the Western Roman Empire for the umpteenth time. It’s a topic that has been studied for centuries, but something struck me while talking about the social factors that contributed to Rome’s collapse. People became more focused on themselves, which is comparable to our iPhone, iPad, iLife and they, (the Romans) were more interested in being constantly entertained. People went to the Colosseum to witness merciless slaughter even when they were going hungry. I’m not saying that we’re Rome because we don’t have barbarian invaders attacking us from all angles, but the social aspects are eerily similar. Self-care is different than becoming closed off and isolated from society because of politics, weather, or whatever else is troubling you.

Focusing on yourself by doing the things you love will only enhance who you are no matter what you’re going through as long as they’re good for you. Someone I know once said that some days are wins, losses, or ties because we’re soccer fans and draws do happen. Some days I’ll take a draw, but if I want a W, I’ll do the things I love (write, tie flies, FISH, cook, be in nature, watch sports) because who doesn’t want a win even if it’s not the weekend?

So, stay safe, enjoy the outdoors, take care of yourself and your loved ones because at least we have some control over that.