Today’s world is fast paced. Technology has brought the world to our fingertips. Want to know the fastest route to work, the latest sports scores, what your friend had for breakfast, or which neighbor’s cat is missing? The information you seek is a quick click away.
Unfortunately, life’s demands have also increased. Most individuals are unable to “leave the office” at work. Communication is a mere text away. Vehicles have added features so cellphone capability can continue “hands free” while traveling. High schoolers are more likely to have online textbooks which they can easily access on their laptop. Groceries can be ordered online and delivered to your door in two hours or less. Instant gratification is the new normal.
Life in the fast-lane is not sustainable.
Well-being is a combination of physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. When one element is deficient, the others suffer. I am board certified in Family Medicine and a mother to five teenagers and two dogs. I can easily work 50 hours a week as a physician. Now let’s add in the 3.5 hours commuting time; 7.5 hours getting my children ready, out the door, and to school; 20 hours after school helping with homework, dinner, transporting kids to or from events, and herding them through bedtime routines; 2 hours for gathering groceries; 16 hours on weekends driving to extra-curriculars and catching up on errands; 42 hopeful hours of sleep; the list goes on. There never seems to be enough time in the week to accomplish everything. How do I make time to stay connected with my spouse? When can I work on mindfulness? When am I able to exercise? How long has it been since -I- went to the doctor? Are my friends even alive? It’s been awhile since we had dinner.
I often tell my patients, “If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of anyone else.” I too have been guilty for not listening to this advice. Without sleep, daily tasks take much longer, I crave unhealthy foods, and I’m grumpy in interactions with my family. If I don’t connect spiritually, I feel anxious and overwhelmed. Exercise helps me feel energized while reducing discomfort in my muscles and joints, yet so often it sounds good to sit down because I’m tired and sore.
Balance is critical to healthy living. My spouse, my children, and my patients have challenged me to think in new ways. I am grateful for my life’s experiences and excited to share with you the knowledge and insight that has been provided to me. Welcome to my blog!