Self Care

by Mackenzie Toland, Reach Therapist Intern

       All too often we find ourselves burning the midnight oil in our careers, our friendships, and our families. As Americans we have a tendency to work ourselves out of the pleasures of life. We are doing our careers and our interpersonal relationships a great injustice by not taking out time just to breathe and relax. This blog post is about granting ourselves permission to let go and do something for ourselves.
It is important to understand that self-care can help us when we least expect it. Self-care can be looked at as a shield of protection when things get difficult. The healthier we allow ourselves to be on the inside; the easier it will be to accept challenges that come our way. It is like the preventative maintenance tool of coping. Although challenges will remain difficult, we will have an extra tool in our toolbox to help us combat the stress. Not only will we be able to combat stress better but self-care also helps to enhance the overall experience of life.
       A great example of this is that I recently ran across an incredible artist and she was telling me the story behind one of her pieces. She explained to me that she was feeling lost and stuck and was having an extremely difficult time finding inspiration. She spoke of the great frustration and distress that it brought her to be without inspiration. She said that she decided to go on an artistic retreat in order to reset and renew and on the last day she created the piece we were speaking of. She described the piece as just flowing out of her once she had found peace within her self.
      Perhaps this scenario sounds familiar to you. Maybe you are feeling "stuck," whether it is in your career, your marriage, your life, and you are looking to find peace.  Therapy is an amazing vehicle for self-care, as well as, personal growth. With Pfeiffer Institute Reach’s affordable prices and empathetic ears, what are you waiting for?