When meeting with an Infant Mental Health Specialist on Friday about how to teach children self-regulation, I began to think about my own balance, that I am trying to find. He mentioned the kind of activities adults use to self-regulate: waking up and having coffee, or running , or having a shower. Then later, taking a walk, having a cup of hot tea, or taking a warm bath...Simple rituals that allow us to balance out the intensity of our lives. My puzzlement was obvious during our conversation. Then I revealed that don't think I have enough of these activities in my own life. I'm not the most routine or organized person. With the exception of my morning shower, my day is all up for grabs. I'm hoping to institute more rituals that help shape my mental health. My best friend suggests changing into other clothes when I arrive home, really carving out my home and family time. And wearing nice pjs to bed, and lounging a bit in them in the morning. Our mornings aren't really the stuff of lounges, but I get the idea of using the clothes to help designate these times for specific activities.
This same friend also sends me an article on staying young from Dr. Oz in the same day that she drops off fatty delicious whoopie pies. In the article, he lists out an every day to do list:
- walk 30 minutes
- floss and brush
- drink several cups of green tea
- take your multi-vitamins
- meditate for 5-15 minutes
- sleep seven to eight hours per night
I'm working on adding these to my routine as self-regulation techniques. I walked this morning, after waking up after my sleeping pill night (7 hours). No wild rabbits but the walk was good for my psyche. Let's see if I can floss tonight. Recommendations on multi-vitamins welcome, although Oz has some requirements.
I have an appointment with a social worker on Monday to talk about my stress level. I'm hoping to be in a better space after that.
Thanks for all the support out there. I'm feeling the love.
4 comments:
the list of requirements for a single vitamin is pretty tough...let me know if you find a single pill to do it, or one that can be taken twice a day. I'm thinking it may have to be multiple pills.
I'm always up for a short walk if you are ever trying to squeeze one in before picking up your children in the afternoons.
I would recommend getting a multi vitamin from a health food store and look for one that you only have to take one of once a day. I currently take my prenatal (I know I am still nursing), but there are others. Look for some multis from Solaray. They are good and usually have a 1 pill dose AND won't break the bank. Make sure there are lots of B vitamins in it. Just from experience, the walk everyday will help tremendously. We have a family jog about 4 times a week or more if possible. Routine is important, just like it is for babies and children. Good luck and let me know if I can help!
Instead of Friday night movie night, what about Friday night massages! Never underestimate the power of a good massage! Talk about stress release- I think I'll hit my hubby up for one tonight.
Post a Comment