By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Hallelujah! Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton is back on the campaign trail. You’d think she committed a federal crime by taking a few sick days. Her bout with pneumonia is a reminder that we need to take better care of ourselves, and not be afraid to say we’re sick and need to shut it down.
Note No. 1 to self: I’m not Superwoman.
I know, we’re wired to believe that no one else can do the job; we have to prove that we can handle work like our male counterparts; and fear illness might be perceived as a sign of weakness.
Where is that written? We need to delete those thoughts and replace them with a more sensible attitude toward work. We can’t help others unless we are well. I’m reminded of that each time I fly. During safety instructions, the flight attendant tells you to put on your oxygen mask first, then your child’s.
Too often we work ourselves to the point of exhaustion and end up missing a few days of work. Once we’re well, it’s back to the same old work habits until we’re felled by illness again. It might be more serious the second time, and forces us to listen to our bodies and make changes.
Note No. 2 to self: I’m not a robot; I’m human.
When it comes to work/life balance, we need to take a few lessons from the millennials. They’ll put in a good day’s work but make time to socialize with friends and family. They don’t see the value in excessively long hours with no off days.
This weekend, take a good look at your schedule. Have you factored in time for yourself? When was the last time you exercised, went to the movies or read a book? If you’re the family member who always volunteers to chauffeur elderly family members or kids, ask someone else to do it. Then, do something you enjoy.
Don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself. In the end, your family will benefit from having a wife/mother/daughter/sister who is mentally and physically able to meet all challenges.
Note No. 3 to self: Life is short; Take time to grow some roses.