Today’s focus is on Extreme Self-Care and the body, but not on the areas that you typically see written about—diet, exercise, and losing weight. Instead, we’ll focus on the actions you can take to make sure your body is in the best shape it can be in right now.
When we get busy or overwhelmed, it’s far too easy to take our body for granted. In the last few years, I’ve heard from more and more people who put off making (and keeping) appointments that are directly related to their health and physical wellbeing. It’s not until we’re faced with a problem that we understand the value of maintaining and caring for our body before a problem arises.
There are a variety of reasons why we don’t get the care we deserve. For many, the challenge has to do with money and the lack of health insurance, which is a big issue for millions of people here in the United States. I remember very clearly what it was like not to be able to afford health coverage when I first started my business and was living alone. For years I put off whatever appointments I could, until one day I got very sick and realized that the care of my body was a far more important investment than the clothes, books, or socializing that had been on my list of expenditures.
Once I made the decision to make my health a priority, I went to town researching options for someone in my position: a woman with limited income, living alone, and getting by paycheck to paycheck. I found a program through the state of Massachusetts that provided low-cost medical care to those in need, depending on income. I relied on this program to provide me with coverage for two years, until I could afford to pay for insurance on my own. Eventually I came to afford a higher level of insurance as my earnings increased.
The point of the story is that your health is a priority that matters. Whether you barter your skills for the services of others, such as a massage, facials, or a haircut (something I did for years); negotiate lower costs with medical providers as an uninsured patient (something I also did); find a financial-assistance program in your community (don’t assume there isn’t one); or give up spending in one area to allow for the health-care appointments you need, caring for your body is one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
For many of us, the decision to put off making health appointments also has to do with fear . . . the fear of finding out that something is wrong. Now more than ever, because of the enormous amount of media coverage and marketing material focused on illness, we’ve become hypersensitive to symptoms and disease. As a result, we suffer in silence, afraid that we might have some kind of serious problem. So we often avoid doctors altogether.
Think of your body as a classic automobile—a beautiful Rolls-Royce—and stop for a moment to consider the care this amazing vehicle might need. It’s probably high time for a tune-up, so take the opportunity to check out the different parts of your body that may need your attention.
Begin by answering the following questions:
Several clients I’ve worked with in the past have waited months (and sometimes years!) to have a suspicious lump or mole checked, out of a concern that it might be bad news. Although you may be under the false assumption that ignoring the problem gives you peace of mind, the truth is that your fear—conscious or not—is always running in the background. Like a virus or spyware program hidden on your computer, fear takes energy and resources, whether you realize it or not. If you don’t believe me, think about a time when you finally did something you’d avoided for a while, such as going to the dentist or getting a mammogram. Then remember the palpable sense of relief you felt once the appointment was done and you knew everything was all right.
Do your teeth need to be straightened, or are your feet so sore that you’re limited to one pair of shoes? Maybe your hair is thinning or you feel uncomfortable about your posture. These kinds of concerns can give you a brand-new lease of life when addressed.
Review the list below and see if there are certain self-care items that need your attention. As you read over the list, notice which items spark an “I’ve been meaning to get to that one” response:
These are just some examples of the basic body-care areas that, when handled, go a long way in supporting your emotional and physical self-care.