By Sandra Zawalski, MSN, RN, CRRN, CCM, ABDA, MSCC
The bustle of the holidays is over, and many may now have an empty cup. What is meant by an empty cup? It means you have given so much of yourself that you have nothing left because you forgot YOU! How many of you felt guilt during the holidays because there weren’t enough lights put up? All 27 side dishes weren’t made? The wrapping didn’t look professional. And now you are second-guessing yourself as you think back over the holidays. How many had a different type of holiday where not all of your family wasn’t present from either a terminal illness, death, or loved ones that live in a different state and have to find ways to visit each other’s families? That was my story. This was the first Christmas in 34 years with no children to help decorate the tree or bake cookies with, and one adult child was with her future in-laws (we did have her for Thanksgiving)! Whatever the reason, the holidays can bring so many good and bad emotions.
Now that the quiet has hit your homes, it is time to fill your cup. How can you expect to care for others when you have nothing left because you neglected yourself? Even five minutes a day for yourself can help. Go for a walk. Too cold? Have small children? Bundle everyone up and even go around the block. Look at the world the way your children do. It might surprise you and ignite that spark in you.
Are you working on resolutions? If you are like most, dropping weight and going to the gym are usually number one on the list. According to the research, it takes 18 to 254 days to form a new habit, with 66 days being the average. This can be the longest 66 days of your life! Make your goal realistic. Your youngsters aren’t going to keep their room clean, that’s on them. However, you can make a habit of having your children help with the cleaning. This takes patience and calmness, and many of us feel it is just better to do it ourselves. It will save time headaches, and perhaps crying in the long run. Make it fun. Sing the clean-up song while you work. Chunk it into 5–10-minute increments. Soon, your children may have developed a habit. Make it a habit not to take out a new toy until the one they have is appropriately put away. Help them with that.
Can’t make it to a gym? If there are steps in your house, make your goal to go up/down a few times a day.
Going to the gym. Hmmm, the number one resolution. Can’t find time? Make the time. Your health and well-being are essential not only to you but also to those who depend on you. Movement is medicine, at least according to my physical therapist. I go to the gym at 5:30 AM. Yes, it is an ungodly hour, but I know if I wait until after work, I will never go, especially in the cold. I’ve been doing this for six years, and it feels different when I miss it. Do what fits into your schedule, but just do it. It can only take 15 minutes, then take it. Walk, dance while you are making dinner, something you may see if you show up unexpectedly at my house during dinner time. And yes, my husband knows he married the weird one!
Unplug. When was the last time you read a book and not a children’s book? Set a goal, two books a year, five books a year. My goal was 15 books in 2024. Did I make it? Nope, but I read for at least 10 minutes a day. Find something you like to read, expand your likes, and read something different. If it doesn’t keep your attention, don’t finish it.
Meditate. I don’t mean sitting crossed leg on the floor. Just taking a few minutes of quiet. Think about how wonderful you are, what do you NEED to accomplish on this day, not want but need. The wants can come later. Since my body is used to getting up so early on the weekends, I like to take my coffee and sit outside. Sometimes with a winter coat on, but the air wakes me up. I listen to the birds and find at least one thing to be thankful for. True, there are some years it may be difficult to do so, but I woke up so that is a start. I am not one for journaling, however, some find this relaxing.
Start with affirmations. I have five, feel free to use them or find your own. My five are “I am amazing, I can do anything, Positivity is a choice, I celebrate my individuality, and I am strong”.
Whatever you do, take care of yourself. After all, you are the most important person to you. Don’t wait until you are older to realize this.
It’s time to find a job you truly love. The CMSA Career Center connects you with top employers and opportunities tailored to your skills and experience. We're here to help you succeed.
Explore openings and take charge of your future: https://cmsa.org/career-center/
Bio: Sandra is a registered nurse with almost 40 years of experience in a variety of clinical settings that includes orthopedics, brain injury rehab and neonatal intensive care. There is extensive experience in case management for payers and providers holding leadership positions in each, as well has owning her own consulting business. She has a Master’s in Nursing with a focus on education, is a board-certified case manager, certified rehabilitation nurse, certified as a Medicare Set Aside Consultant, a member of the American Board of Disability Analysts and a designated ATD Master Trainer. Sandra has published numerous articles in case management professional journals, is a regular contributor to CMSA Today and was a regular contributor for Just Begin magazine. Sandra is a former commissioner for CCMC, a former chair and has had the privilege of speaking at national conferences including CMSA and CCMC’s New World Symposium as well as a certified Cert 360 facilitator for CCMC. Sandra’s current position is a Principal Clinical Educator with MCG.