January 2000

 

Take Care of Yourself
Vera Massey Nichols, nicholsv@missouri.edu

You are entering a New Year and a new millennium—what better time to focus on taking care of yourself!

Whenever you board an airplane, the airline attendant reviews safety procedures before the plane takes off. You are always shown how to use the oxygen mask. And if you’re traveling with someone who needs help, you’re told to put the mask on first before you try to help others.

The message is clear: You’re better able to help others if you take time to care for yourself.

However, if you’ve spent a lifetime saying "yes" to the needs of others before you address your own, it can be hard to say "yes" to yourself. But, it’s important—if you care about others—that you care for yourself, as well.

What does it mean to take care of yourself? Well, you can start by treating yourself at least as well as you do your car! Don’t attempt to function on an empty tank—your body needs refueling every four to five hours. That means making time for regular, balanced meals and snacks. Your body requires a variety of foods and beverages to meet your nutritional needs and satisfy your taste buds. Even though you’ve heard this before, it’s worth repeating—balance, variety and moderation are the keys to making healthful food choices.

Just as you wouldn’t want to overfill the gas tank in your car—you don’t want to overfill yourself either. Learn to stop eating when you are comfortably full and satisfied. Overeating is often the result of allowing yourself to become overly hungry and/or not allowing yourself to enjoy the foods you desire.

Just as fuel keeps the car engine going, leading a physically active life keeps the body strong so you don’t break down by the side of the road. Your body was designed to be active. Being active can mean all sorts of things—the key is to look for ways to incorporate movement into your daily life. Remember to always focus on enjoyment, comfort, and safety.

Taking care of yourself also means taking time to do those things that are most enjoyable to you—reading, gardening, crafts, dancing, sharing time with friends, or whatever it is you love to do. You deserve and need to take time for yourself.

Building relaxation into your life each day is yet another way of taking care of yourself. By learning to relax, you can gain a sense of balance. It’s like recharging a battery—everything works better afterward.

Here are some more ways to take care of yourself:

• Get at least seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
• Ask for help—don’t feel like you have to handle a stressful situation all by yourself.
• Always use a seat belt when driving or riding in a vehicle.
• Have a dental and medical check-up at least once a year.
• Avoid using tobacco products.
• Read and follow directions when taking prescribed and over-the-counter drugs.
• Avoid driving a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs—avoid riding with someone who is under the influence     of these too.
• Laugh several times each day.
• Try to go with the flow of life—don’t sweat the small stuff, don’t take yourself too seriously, and remind yourself, "This too    shall pass."

Your body is truly a masterpiece—take care of yourself!

 

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