Managing stress, putting ourselves first and remembering your own importance

Ahhh stress.

I've been feeling super stressed the last couple of days. I've felt it in my body, in my breath, and in my inability to settle to tasks properly (which then added to the stress!!)

I don't know what caused it, and it doesn't matter.

My meeting first thing was cancelled today. So I thought, excellent - I've got time to get out on my bike, down to Loch Ness and get in the water. That always makes me feel less stressed - it's like the stress floats away. I feel the most at peace when I'm in the water.

And I did. Being out in the early morning ice and frost felt magical. It felt like an adventure. And it took me out of my head, which was exactly what I needed. I got back in plenty of time for a hot drink and to thaw out my fingers, and most of my toes before class.

I was able to be fully present and regulated for those people. And that matters. But also that I was able to be fully present and regulated for myself.

And it got me thinking - yes, the cancellation this morning was the "perfect excuse" to take that time for myself.

But I shouldn't need an excuse. I should be doing it anyway.

And often I do.

But those times when I really need to - like today - those are the times when I need to remember to put myself first. Because I'm important. And also to put myself first because I'm no good to anyone else if I don't. And that's important too.

Friends - put yourself first. Always make that time for yourself. Because you're important.

www.LongCovidPodcast.com

If getting outside is something that's difficult for you at the moment - I hope you can enjoy the soothing calm of Loch Ness through this video. It's not as good as being there yourself, but for now, it's something.