So, F-E-A-S-T!
If you've spent a lifetime saying "yes" to the needs of others before you address your own, it can be hard to say "yes" to yourself. But, it's important -- if you care about others -- that you care for yourself, as well. Here are three powerful reasons why: 1. The Golden Goose is Only Good Alive Many of us are familiar with the fairy tale of the goose who laid golden eggs. Under the owner's care, the goose produced her rich bounty every day. Things went well until the owner wanted all the riches at once. He killed the goose only to discover there were no eggs inside. In failing to understand how the goose served best, he destroyed the source of his wealth. We often make the same mistake that the goose's owner made. Trying to be everything at once -- all things to all people all the time -- actually can limit our ability to serve others. Daily caring for ourselves enables us to continually help others! 2. Actions Speak Louder Than Words Dr. Christiane Northrup cites her mother, an avid hiker throughout her life, as a role model. Her mother's motto? Don't lighten your pack, strengthen your back! To encourage a healthy lifestyle in others, live one yourself. Which motivates more: A mother's words, or the sight of her hiking up a hill? 3. Sometimes We Must Say "No" to Say "Yes" Every time we say "yes" to one thing, we're saying "no" to another. Stephen Covey in his book "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" tells how the "enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good'." If we say "yes" to hours of volunteer time at meetings where little is accomplished, have we said "no" to spending important time with a friend or family member? Remember: When people name important influences in their lives, they cite the teacher, not the textbook! Plan a F-E-A-S-T for Yourself! So, what ARE some ways to care for yourself? Since you can't serve others if your plate is empty, plan to have a F-E-A-S-T. Encourage others to sit at your table. Here's how it works: F = Food Treat yourself -- and others -- at least as well as you do your car! Don't attempt to function on an empty tank . . . make time for regular, balanced meals. Ask yourself: If I were an automobile, what type of mileage would I get from the foods I put in my tank? While drive-by or dashboard dining may be a necessity at times, continue to fit in sit-down meals with friends and family. The meal table should be more than a feeding trough. Dr. Rachel Remen in "Kitchen Table Wisdom" speaks of the importance of taking time to listen to each other as people do around the kitchen table. Sustain body and soul by sharing food and fellowship while eating together. E = Emotional Well-Being Perhaps you've read interviews with people who are over 100 and still healthy. Many credit diet, some don't. Most keep active. Many don't smoke, but some do. Some avoid alcohol, some drink daily. There are differing factors, but -- you've probably NEVER heard ANYONE say they kept healthy by worrying and stewing and fussing and fretting! We need to keep that in mind. A = Activity If food keeps the engine going, activity keeps the body strong so we don't break down by the side of the road. Think "active lifestyle" as you F-E-A-S-T through the week:
People who have meaningful, mutually supportive relationships with others tend to lead healthier, happier lives. Dr. Dean Ornish, author of "Love and Survival," notes people who feel lonely and isolated have a higher risk of premature death from various diseases. How do you develop these positive relations with others? Here's a tale to start you thinking. The story is told of two people moving to a new city. They each asked the same resident what the townspeople were like. In turn, the resident asked the first newcomer what the people were like in her former town. The first newcomer replied with such comments as: "mean," "selfish," "lazy" and "not friendly." "Well, that's what you'll find the people are like here," the resident replied. The resident then asked the second newcomer about the people in her former town. She described them as "friendly," "helpful," "caring" and "hard workers." Again, the resident replied: "That's what you'll find the people are like here." T = Time to Sleep Overall, 24% of adult Americans report they "get less than the minimum amount of sleep they believe they need to not feel sleepy the next day" according to the National Sleep Foundation. Chronic insomnia can contribute to depression. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at least 100,000 crashes occur yearly because drivers fell asleep at the wheel. Sleeping well is not only nice, it is a necessity. Throughout history, getting a good night's rest has been considered a powerful tonic for promoting well being. As Lord Chesterfield (1694 - 1773) said: "A light supper, a good night's sleep and a fine morning have often made a hero out of the same man, who, by indigestion, a restless night and a rainy morning would have proved a coward." Many a problem may go away if you just sleep on it! F-E-A-S-T Frequently By serving yourself generous portions of healthy behaviors, you'll be able to serve others as well! And when those you care about see your F-E-A-S-T, they may want to prepare one, too. Educational Resources Available from Our Office
FREE Nutrition and Osteoporosis PowerPoint presentation
Pyramid Power: The Food Guide Game
Don't Get Bugged by a Foodborne Illness (game)
COOK IT
QUICK!
Online Tips and Recipes
Subscribe for monthly e-mail delivery of Food Reflections newsletter
Pyramid Power Game | Food Safety Game | Programs | Publications | Links Lancaster County Home Page | Confidentiality Statement | Search
|
