by Connie Ash

As 2016 comes to an end and planning for 2017 begins, you may find yourself stressed and with nothing left to give. As women, we often feel the need to give one-hundred percent of what we have to others or to causes that are meaningful to us.
Being a giver should bring us joy, but instead, we often feel stress. Acute stress comes in the form of physical and mental symptoms, like fatigue, irritability, anxiety and tension, depression, headaches, shortness of breath, insomnia, disorganization and short-term memory problems.

So what do we do when we feel like we need to give more, but stress is making it impossible. Some of us will buy self-help books, sign up for a time management course, buy a planner or set up an online calendar so we can better manage our time. Others may develop unhealthy habits, like over-eating, quitting an exercise plan, or cutting back on sleep.

So, let’s make 2017 a year of giving to ourselves. Here are a few simple, practical ways to give yourself the best possible chance a living a good life:

1. Make time for you – Fill Your Whole Tank: Look at your life in a systematic way — consider the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. When these four components are in harmony, you will find a peace and energy. Ask yourself what you are doing daily to nurture these four aspects of your life. If one is being neglected, look at ways to concentrate on it. This will help you to stay focused and intentional about what you are doing personally and professionally.

2. Cultivate an attitude of acceptance – Be Intentional about Having Healthy Disruptions in Your Life: Take periodic breaks from your daily routines at work and at home. Read a magazine at lunchtime instead of working at your desk or run on your home treadmill while you watch the sunrise instead of racing to the gym! This kind of “change of pace” will actually increase your energy and renew your spirit.

3. Establish Your Boundaries and Communicate Them: Remember that you are the one making changes in how you prioritize your activities and live your life. No one else will set those important boundaries for you. It is ok to say no. Tell everyone – you are giving yourself the best 2017 possible.

Connie is a 50-something wife, mother, Nana, doggie mom, vegetarian, living in the small community of Blytheville, AR. located in the far Northeast corner of the State. She shares a home with her husband aka The Big Man, 14 rescue dogs and 7 chickens. Collectively they have six adult near-perfect children and five perfect grandboys, 1 sweet granddaughter, 2 god-daughters and 5 awesome granddogs.  Connie is a family nurse practitioner who runs a small clinic and manages a free health clinic (Great River Charitable Clinic). She and the Big Man also own and operate Bed and Biscuit Boarding. Connie is an active member of the Blytheville Humane Society. Her Blog http://scrapbookwife.blogspot.com/ chronicles her journey to live a balance simple life making her little corner of the world a better place to live.