Like you, I’m tired now and then. Sometimes, bone-deep, just-get-through-the-day tired. That’s usually a sign for me to tune into my body, whether I feel like it or not.
My dear husband likened his body in college to a bank account: he made a lot of deposits when he could (eating right, exercising), so that during a big push like finals week, he felt he could make lots of big withdrawals. Some of you may feel like you’re about to go into a negative balance during stressful times.
Also, as a result of unattainable, incessant body image messaging we receive in today’s society, many of us have a love/hate relationship with our bodies. We think we are too short/tall/fat/thin/weak/bulky/whatever, and therefore aren’t very nice to ourselves, especially when we are under stress. We might think nasty things about ourselves when we look in the mirror. Or we may simply think there’s no use in trying to exercise, sleep enough, eat well, wear sunscreen, floss, or whatever. It’s easy to say: why bother? I’m tired.
But I say, your bodies and minds are worth it. I invite you to do something nice for yourselves this week, even if it’s just a ten-minute walk to clear your head. Or flossing before bed. Or looking in the mirror and saying thanks to your body for getting you to this point in your life.
On that subject, have you ever taken a few moments to really appreciate what a miracle your body is? We get a cut or a bruise, and (generally speaking) it heals. Your feet take you from place to place! Have you ever contemplated the many intricate bones in your feet, and how much work they do? Miraculous, really. As imperfect as they may be, our bodies do a lot of terrific things on a daily basis that we take for granted. Now, sure, there may be things we’d like to change, and perhaps we can, with a little sustained attention and effort. There are some things I’m working on this summer to increase strength and flexibility.
For now, though, let it be enough to give thanks for your perfectly imperfect body, and all it does for you. And do something nice for it in return.