There is a cost to care for others and it's not just time or money. Often, it is a part of our own selves - our soul, spirit, sanity. Sometimes, the cost of caring is too high, and we may feel stressed or burned out. During these times we need to ask: Am I still okay? Kamusta na ba ako? Kamusta na ba TALAGA ako?
Being mindful or practicing mindfulness ("kamalayan") helps us evaluate our own well-being. Am I full? Am I empty? Am I ready to give? Awareness of our OWN PRESENT STATE, not thinking of the past, or worrying about the future, helps us notice and accept what's going on with our feelings, body, and surroundings - without passing judgment or labels.
It is but normal to get tired, feel stressed, or burned out. It is all part of our life experience. And if you do feel that things around you are just too much to handle, here are some things that you can do:
- Detach - (Psychological Detachment)
Reclaim your personal space. Get out of the battle zone. Retreat but not surrender. You can simply get a minute break and breath. Mentally disconnect from your stressor in whatever way you can for at least a few minutes or hours. Take your time and breath deep.
- Relax - Take some time off
Everyone needs time off. A time where you can stop and smell the roses. Sleep if you want, take a vacation if you must, just rest and relax. Get a hot cocoa, a long warm bath, pick up your favorite snack and go watch that new K-drama. Do whatever you can to help your mind stop worrying or depressing over things you cannot change. Treat yourself. Often, you do deserve it.
- Prioritize - What is most important?
Identify your priorities. What are your goals? Are you concerned about something that you really should be involved with? Identify if your actions are aligned with your goals. Is it really something important to you, or are you better without these matters you are holding on to? You might find that you might even be spending your efforts over something that doesn't really serve you or your purpose. - Practice Mastery - Get a new hobby or a skill, and master it.
You either grow or you die. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, and one cannot stagnate. So get that new hobby, learn that new skill, enroll in that new class. Divert your focus on a healthy subject you personally chose, and do it for fun. You need to grow, develop, and enjoy life. - Seek Spiritual Replenishment from the Lord
And above everything, you must pray. Seek strength from the source of it all - God. The Lord Jesus Christ said that he is the true vine. He is the fountain of living waters and you will not go dry if you seek out strength and replenishment from him. Learn of Him, hear Him, keep your relationship with Him strong. He will direct you and bless you with the light, strength, and grace you need to make it through.
"In today's rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much" - Eckhart Tolle. We all have something and someone we need to give ourselves to. We will run out dry if we aren't mindful. That's why: "Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow - you cannot pour from an empty vessel" - Teacher Yumi Wada
Resources:
Identifying Burnout, and Practicing Self Care - Karina Mayumi Wada
(youandmetalks / teacheryumi@gmail.com)
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