Hey, welcome! Life’s busy, so let’s find some calm in the chaos together.
Today’s blog inspiration came from just waking up this morning.
Usually, life seems so impossible when I wake up. It’s like every atom of my being hurts. Before my feet hit the floor, I’m thinking, “How can I make this a good day?” I feel as exhausted when I wake up as when I went to sleep! It’s not from sleeping too much. I ruled that out.
The pain and weariness are a heaviness weighing me down, like chains and shackles.
I fight the morning fatigue and hobble out of bed, walking like Frankenstein down the hall from suffering and stiffness all over. It’s quite a sight to see. Just call me Brenkenstein.
My mornings start with frustration. How am I going to get out of bed, let alone stick to my routine that I don’t feel like doing?
So, needless to say, starting my morning self-care routine is such mental gymnastics for me. “Mental gymnastics” is my way of saying that I REALLY have to talk myself into doing something. It takes a lot of constant, intentional thought reframing and grounding. Otherwise, I’ll overthink and ruminate from anxiety.
Once I get my head in the game, I can stick to my morning routine:
- I begin with taking my medicine, there’s a lot of it.
- I play upbeat and loud music. Good Music = Good Mood.
- I moisturize. Chemo ruined my skin!
- I do my movement and stretches of never-ending, daily PT.
- I name 3 things that I’m grateful for.
- I make my anti-inflammatory protein smoothie with dehydrated fruit and vegetable supplements.
- I sit in the morning sunshine and fresh air with my cat. My favorite.
- I start writing.
Realistically, I hurt so much when I wake up. Despite my frustration, I do a body scan and breathe into whatever hurts. Perhaps some reiki. As impossible as it seems, I know that when I get up and start my routine I will feel a little better, maybe more. Depends on the day.
If I really can’t push through, then I listen to my body and do what I can. I practice what I preach, but some days I can’t get my morning routine done, or I can only do a few steps. Those days are ok too. They don’t go as well for me, but I do the best that I can. No judging myself. For me, self-care is about balancing how my brain and body work together.
Despite my complaints, I strongly recommend doing some sort of activity in the morning. Stretch, do jumping jacks, hit the gym, try standing Pilates or chair yoga, do push-ups on a counter edge, try gentle Tai Chi. Whatever works for you. Listen to your body.
This can help set the tone for your day, mentally and physically. My day is better when I feel strong, accomplished, and making progress. As small as it may be. When I get my self-care in and stick to my morning routine, a stronger Brenda takes on the day.
Until next time, breathe deep and here’s to progress, not perfection.
Bren
