Inidividuals: Self Care

I often have people talk to me about trying to solve a concern in one area of their life, forgetting the impact that problems in another area may have. It is like they are not considering all of the others. We are complete people--it is difficult to compartmentalize sometimes. Worries, espeically, tend to seep out.

First thing is to acknowledge where the stressors are. Sometimes it is better to tackle some of the smaller ones, and then move on to the bigger issues. For instance, if you're living situation is unstable, it may be hard to deal with your relationship, or tackle a depression. It is like building yourself a support base. When you have the base, you can move up higher. The more complicated things will seem easier then.

If you need to separate one issue from the other, for instance family concerns when you are at work, then allow yourself to make sure you will deal with them later. Imagine yourself putting the home concern in a box when you are at work. Shut the box, and lock it, and keep track of the key. Put it somewhere in your mind, with a mental note to open on the weekend, for exmple.

Give yourself a schedule or time to confront the different concerns, when you are ready. The fact that you do this organizes you and helps you to feel more in control