Nov 28, 2019
Episode 11: Back to Basics
In this episode, we discuss the basics of self-care, such as showering, sleeping, eating, brushing your hair, flossing your teeth, attempting to look like you didn't just wake up 5 minutes ago... As a special needs parent, it is really difficult to find time to do all of these things, because they seem so unimportant compared to the needs of the child, and it can feel like these activities are taking precious time away from our children. It can feel like those things are a waste of time, such as flossing or brushing your hair, so that it isn't a ball of frizz. Getting enough sleep can be tough. Our children still don't sleep all the way through the night, so even though we typically get in bed at a reasonable time, we haven't slept through the night in over 4 years. Chronic pain doesn't help any with sleep quality. Eating is a really difficult issue. Sometimes, getting enough food into our bellies is the hard part, especially if we have a really hard day. Other days, it is harder to make sure we are eating healthfully. Or to even have the desire or willingness to attempt to make good food choices. Or less bad food choices. Sometimes, we are so stressed and so strapped for time, eating junk seems like the only possibility for self-care that day. Attempting an actual hairstyle or doing makeup just seems so frivolous. And trying not to look like a mess when you can't afford (or find in your home) clothes that fit, non-maternity clothes, or clothes that didn't just have four dirty hands wipe junk all over you seem borderline impossible. Even though these are basics of modern human existence, it is very time consuming. Taking care of our health seems unfeasible. As we get older, everything on our body just seems to fall apart and it is already insanely hard to make sure the kids get the therapies and appointments and treatment they need, so it can feel like our health is less important or just not necessary. However, we forget that if we aren't around and healthy enough to take care of our children, who will? Jessica discusses working with a life coach to set small goals and spending a few more minutes each day on basic self-care strategies. It is very difficult, but little steps make a world of difference.
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Show Music:
Lion Roar: "Lion Roar" by Iwan Gabovitch under CC-BY 3.0 License
(www.freesound.org)
Intro Outro: "Intro Outro 2" by Mattias Lahoud under CC-BY 3.0
License (www.freesound.org)
Theme Song: "90s rock style" by monkeyman535 under CC-BY 3.0
License (www.freesound.org)
Self Care Song: "Green and Orange No Water" by Duncan Alex under
CC-BY 3.0 License (www.freesound.org)
Hosted by: Jessica Temple and Lewis Temple
Disclaimer: Our show is not designed to provide listeners with specific or personal legal, medical, or professional services or advice. Parents of children with health issues should always consult their health care provider for medical advice, medication, or treatment.
Copyright 2019 Jessica and Lewis Temple