I have been feeling on the verge of depression for the past few days. My van broke down and is stuck in Wenatchee, my little convertible needed the top fixed $$$$$, I got a ticket for no license plate on the truck I was borrowing. One thing after another.
When I was a teenage,r I went to Apple Blossom in Chelan and got busted for under age drinking (imagine - at Apple Blossom - drinking!) and was sentenced to some anti-under-age-drinking classes. The one thing that stuck with me was when the instructor said that total body movement, as in exercise, was a great alternative to drinking. Released endorphins.
During my verge of depression this past week, all I could think of was a bottle of white wine. I seriously thought, though, that I should experience these uncomfortable feelings, reflect on them, work through them. It was very uncomfortable!
I went to Zumba all grumpy on Monday night.... but after a few songs, a lot of sweat :) and the music! I cheered right up. It's amazing how movement and music turn on the endorphins in me! Dancing is my passion - I have been involved in some sort of dance since I was 12 yrs old - ballet, jazzercise (taught for 18 years - yes 18!!), zumba. And of course the dancing in this class!
Friday was my5 month follow-up appointment with my orthopedic after rotator cuff (plus three additional procedures on my poor shoulder ) - he acknowledged my frustration with my progress and emphasized the need to take "me" time. Just like Karen :) did - it''s so important but so difficult to do. I think as nurses, we are so programed to take care of others that we leave little time for ourselves.
I thought about the term "caretaker" the other day, broke it up into "care" and "take" - I "take care" of you, and you "take" my "care". What does that leave me with?
My older brother is helping me with my broken down van in Wenatchee - he is taking care of me and it feels very different........but nice!
Take care of yourself......
Sorry to hear that all the things happen at the same time. :( But It was a good thing that you went to dance instead of drink. The exercise was "your time" though.
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