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A Self-Health Plan
There are many different elements and techniques to facilitate a healthful lifestyle. Each offers something different, but all of them help us achieve greater health.
Meditation and Yoga. Meditation is a practice that can address all four aspects of the self, renewing our minds and bodies while nourishing us emotionally and spiritually. There are many types of meditation, some with a basis in religion, and others that are completely secular. Regardless of the method, when we meditate, we shut out the hullabaloo and distractions of our busy lives and connect to our soul, or to whatever supreme being we believe in. Daily spiritual practice is important to our sense of well-being and peace of mind. Yoga is a form of meditation combined with exercise, providing deep relaxation for the mind and body.
Massage Therapy. Massage therapy can enhance every system of the body, as well as aiding emotional and mental well-being. Massage is one of the best ways to relieve stress, quiet your mind and soothe your aches and pains. Massages can cost anywhere from $40 to $150, depending on the type of treatment and where you live. If you don’t think you can afford it, try putting a few dollars into a massage fund on a regular basis. It never hurts to ask if a therapist will accept less money than her normal fee. Some charge on a sliding scale; others may even trade for a service you provide.
Aromatherapy Baths. Few things are more relaxing than a hot aromatherapy bath at the end of a long day. Make this a ritual—your special time with no interruptions. After the kids are asleep, take the phone off the hook, fix some relaxing herbal tea, light some candles and play soothing music. An aromatherapy bath combines the healing properties of plants (in the form of essential oils) with the therapeutic power of water to relieve stress very effectively. Essential oils can bring relief to muscle pain, skin conditions and even depression, depending on the choice of oils added to the bath. Lavender eases muscle tension and promotes sound sleep. Clary sage has antidepressant properties with calming, euphoric effects, and is also good for PMS, menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Roman chamomile also helps to relax you and relieve PMS, as well as anxiety and tension. German chamomile soothes dry, inflamed or sensitive skin and allergic conditions such as eczema and psoriasis; it’s also used for inflamed joints and muscle pain. Marjoram can ease muscle pain as well. Chamomile, clary sage, lavender, marjoram, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang have both sedative and antidepressant effects, while bergamot, geranium, melissa and rose help to lift the mood without sedating. For starters, try an evening bath with 12 drops of lavender and 3 drops of neroli.
Loving Yourself. Can we learn to love ourselves as much as we love our children? We must if we are to truly instill a love of self in our children. The best way to teach this is to model it. During your daily meditation, visualize the faces of your children and feel the intense love you have for them. Really get into this feeling. Now hug yourself and direct this strong love toward yourself. Feel it flowing through your entire body. Keep hugging yourself and say, “I am worthy of self-love and attention. I take time to nourish and nurture myself.” Find ways to value yourself on a regular basis. Do the things that bring you joy.
Other Elements. Good nutrition, physical exercise, relaxation, spirituality, positive thinking, fun, laughter, creative expression, love, intimacy and sexuality are all necessary elements that we must make time for if we want to be healthy. Which of these elements are missing from your life? Begin to incorporate them now so you can live with vitality and avoid a healing crisis.
Plan for Alone Time
If you’ve always given most of your time to others, you might encounter some resistance from your kids, or even your husband, when you begin to take time for yourself. You might need to explain to them the reasons why this is so important, not only for you, but for them as well. Write up a plan of action for taking care of yourself regularly. Sign it, and have your husband and children sign it, so they know how serious you are. Include them in the planning. Ask them what they would like to do while you’re away to make it special for them. My daughter’s very first night sleeping anywhere else but in my bed next to me was an adventure of true delight for her. She now looks forward to sleeping over at her friend’s house.
When you need alone time, let your children know that this alone time is for them as well. We can teach our children that we need quiet time, and so do they. Children can also be taught to meditate and practice yoga right along with you. Make sure you let them know you are not abandoning them. By taking time for yourself, you are doing something that benefits your entire family. One of the most important things you can do for your children is to demonstrate a healthful lifestyle. By treating yourself with the respect and the care you require, you’re passing down an important gift to your children.
About the Author:
Jane Sheppard is the owner, editor and publisher of Healthy Child and the author of Super Healthy Kids: Strengthening Your Child’s Resistance to Disease. Jane has been researching natural health for over 20 years. She is the founding executive director of the Holistic Pediatric Association and lives with her daughter in Northern California.
 This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #25.
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