FEBRUARY GREETINGS FROM THE DIRECTOR
February 1, 2008 - February is associated with Valentine's Day, Romance, and the Ways of the Heart - a time to express our love and affection for others. But, I hope this month that you also think about the many ways that you care for yourself. Certainly working to manage your work, family and personal life is a form of self-love that benefits others. For example, read any book on care giving and you will read that caring for yourself is a must. Without adequate nutrition, sleep, exercise and relaxation, you are not going to be an effective caregiver in the long run. In fact, most likely, you'll exhaust yourself, with no one else to assume your responsibilities.
Personally, finding time to pay attention to my own needs is difficult. I tend to focus all of my attention on family and work, leaving little extra energy to do other things (for me). However, when I don't eat right, sleep or relax enough, I'm sluggish, grouchy and no fun to be around. I don't feel "on top of my game" either at work or at home. Nevertheless, I keep trying, and my efforts include utilizing some of the resources at UK, such as the mobile health clinic, weight loss classes and long walks to meetings across campus.
While a balanced scale between equal amounts of time given to work, family and personal development will never be achieved, there is tremendous reward in simply trying! As noted by Raine Eisler, author of The Real Wealth of Nations , care of employees, customers, suppliers and community is taking center stage as an organizational strategy towards global competitiveness. So, if you still are reluctant to find the time to give to yourself, remember that self-care is part of a larger strategy for being the most productive you can be - giving to others, your organization, and your community.
Take care,
Robynn Pease, Director
Start Caring for Yourself Today!
Would you like to start following Robynn's advice and begin caring for yourself today? Click on the useful links below to get started now.
Connect to the UK Health and Wellness site and take advantage of the many resources available.
Visit the Work-Life Lending Library to find a variety of resources to enhance your life.
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