Community Health Begins with Self Health

Millions of Americans, particularly women, struggle to find the time to take care of their own health. When I look around at my friends who are moms, I find myself in awe of how many of them put the needs of their families, their children, their work, their community, or school volunteer time ahead of their own.   

 I’ve thought about how to write this blog so it doesn’t sound like a lecture or a guilt-fest, because women who can successfully juggle schedules that would be daunting to air traffic controllers deserve that respect. I would also like to believe that they might find a way to put themselves and their health first, but I’m seeing how this isn’t always the case. I get it. There are only so many hours in the day. So how is it that their needs and health are constantly pushed to the back burner?

This leads me to believe that perhaps the issue isn’t in their ability to carve out time for themselves, but instead found somewhere in the motivation to do so.

As a life coach, I’ve noticed that women tend to be inspired and motivated by giving the best of themselves to others. We see other’s needs -- particularly our children’s needs -- as important and worthy of our time and attention. This is their driving force – a commitment to serving others. And this is a beautiful and honorable approach.

Servanthood is the greatest motivation and is full of grace. But we are in denial if we believe it doesn’t come with a high price tag. Servanthood is only as powerful as the servant. Forgive my boldness, but a worn-down, exhausted servant isn’t doing any good to the family she wishes to serve.  

With this logic in mind, perhaps it would help serve others if you first served yourself. I’m not suggesting that you shuck everything and start over – that’s not reasonable – but what I am suggesting is that you learn to say no to the things that really are not essential. Your health needs to move to the top of your list so that you are able to better manage all of your other tasks. After all, community health is not possible without self-health. Consider that this may also demonstrate to those you serve that your health is what makes your time and talent so darn valuable. 

Start small by adding in one half hour of time each day to focus on your health. You can make this your time to exercise, meditate, enjoy a healthy meal or even get a massage. As you begin to realize that you can make time for you, increase this time to 45 minutes or an hour each day.

Being powered by health and wellness means Vibrant Health is committed to helping promote and support ways to be vibrant and vital.  We are providing an opportunity for you to start small.

This weekend we are proud to sponsor the First National Bank’s Treat Yourself to Wellness Race.  As part of our commitment, Vibrant Health will be offering FREE 15-minute yoga sessions all morning. We’ve are fortunate to partner with Heather Schuman and In Balance Yoga and Fitness in River Falls to offer this relaxing and re-energizing yoga sessions at our booth.

Look for the Vibrant Health Tent and plan to join us for a session. First session begins at 8:20 and mats will be provided.

 

Stay Connected,

Samantha Bluhm, Guest Blogger

Vibrant Health Family Clinics

Marketing Manager

 

About your Instructor, Heather Schuman

I took my first yoga class in 2005 and instantly fell in love with the practice, both on the mat and as a way of life.  I received my 200 hour RYT from the Yoga Center of Minneapolis 3 1/2 years ago and have been teaching ever since.  I have additional training in Thai bodywork, kids' yoga, and partner yoga and I'm always working to expand my practice and knowledge base.  You can find me for weekly mixed level Vinyasa flow classes at In Balance Yoga and Fitness in River Falls and at Riverfront Athletic Club in Hudson, or for Mommy & Me yoga at Body Works in Prescott.

Personally, yoga has changed my life in many ways. It has been a means of strength, flexibility, clarity, peacefulness, and mindfulness that I have not experienced otherwise. Like many of my students, I have always enjoyed working out and challenging my body (running, hiking, kayaking, etc.) and have found yoga to be an amazing complement to basically all other activities. There is so much to be said for allowing yourself time to move, stretch, recover, and breathe!