Guest Post by LeAnn Thieman

Too often, as healthcare givers, we are so busy taking care of other people, we forget to take care of ourselves. We often treat ourselves in ways that we would never treat someone we love or care for. That’s why I developed this CARE 4 ME acronym, giving you tools to care for you too! 

C onnect with your God.   Spend 15 minutes a day in prayer, meditation or reflection. Attend religious services and participate in that community.

A sk for your “juice.”   If in your quiet time, you realize that your life is out of balance, physically, mentally or spiritually, make a plan for what you need to achieve better balance, then ask for it (kindly), from yourself, your family and your workplace.                                 

R est and sleep.   We would never deprive a child of sleep, because we know it makes  them sick and grumpy, yet we often do that to ourselves. Turn off TV and technology and get 8 hours of sleep per night.

E at right.   Consume the quantity and quality of food you know your body needs.

4 times a day, breathe!   For 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day, breathe slow deep and easy to releases stress, tension and endorphins.

M ind your mind  Implement your mental balance tools. Practice positive thinking and visualization, knowing it can change your body and your mind. Laugh 400 times a day, like children! Forgive yourself and someone else.

E xercise 3 times a week   Walk 45 minutes a day, even in 15 minute increments. Incorporate exercise into your everyday life. Mow your lawn, garden, play ball with kids, vacuum to rock and roll!

When you commit to doing these things, you will live by your new motto:

“Today I will also Care 4 me,  and truly live my priority.”

This makes you happier and healthier and in a better place to care for yourself and others!

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LeAnn Thieman LPN, is a Speaker Hall of Fame, and coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul and Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul, Second Dose. To learn more about her books or presentations, visit  www.LeAnnThieman.com or call  970-223-1574. I am honored to have LeAnn as a guest on the Living Sublime Wellness Radio Show tomorrow, October 4 at 11 am Eastern. Tune in by clicking here to listen to this wonderful guest!