How We Restore Balance in Life

While we're busy caring for others, let's not forget to be kind to ourselves.

Most of us give generously of our time and energy to family members, friends, and co-workers--and often ignore our own needs. It may not be until we become physically or mentally exhausted, or financially depleted, that we wake up and pay attention to our own needs. At that point we remember the wisdom of the flight attendant: Put on your oxygen mask first, and then you'll be able to help others.

Beliefnet members share the experiences that made them realize they had to start taking care of themselves--and what they're doing about it.

Read the first tip on restoring balance.

Be Grateful

A few years ago I came down with pneumonia for no apparent reason. It was a beautiful spring day and I had been in good health. I felt betrayed by my body. One day, after I recovered, I was complaining about my illness to a friend. "How can I ever trust my body again?" I protested. My friend gave me some very wise advice. "The pneumonia was a relatively benign warning that you had been under too much stress. You should be grateful to your body for alerting you to that. You may have avoided a heart attack." I think my friend was right, and it helps me care for myself in ways that I never would have considered. I try to never consider myself a victim anymore; only someone who has been warned and needs to change his behavior.

I do my own kind of gratitude meditation every night. I sit quietly and feel grateful for all the blessings I've received. Together, avoiding the negative energy of feeling a victim and generating the positive force of gratitude provide me with the strength to take care of myself and others for whom I have responsibility.
--ken64

Give Yourself a Break

I am used to rushing around, doing a million things for everybody. But recently I became exhausted, developed bronchitis, and literally could not get out of bed. I was forced to take time off from work, stop taking care of my elderly mother, and let my family fend for themselves.

As I remained in bed sleeping most of the time for 5 days, I found that other people filled in for the things I couldn't do. My mother started doing more for herself and didn't complain as much. My husband and son got their own meals and did the chores, while bringing me soup and tea. Slowly I recovered, but I am more conscious of not doing everything myself and asking for help when I need it. It feels right to slow down and be gentle with myself.
--neverland