Specific Changes

Recently, I saw a post in one of my special needs parents’ groups.  It said, “My child is so dependent on me, I know I can’t die…even of old age.” This sentiment is so real. It tugs at my heart strings because I feel it myself -AND- I realize how crazy it sounds. For parents of special kids, we know they will need us throughout their lives, and it is terrifying to think about leaving them behind.

Peter Attia wrote a book called Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity. His book is aptly named because he is not just addressing how to improve your odds of living longer; he is also aiming to get more out of each year! We want more active, healthy years. The goal is to have months filled with joy and purpose. We want to be able to tackle each day with the full abilities we have now as middle-aged adults.

His book shares four pillars of longevity: exercise, nutrition, sleep and emotional health. Since my goal for the Manic Monday posts is to bring calm instead of adding to the mania, let’s set the first three aside for a moment. If we can focus on emotional health, I think we can bring something important into focus.

What does this mean for us?

Raising a special needs child is an emotional double-edged sword. On the one hand, it gives you a strong sense of purpose which is excellent for longevity. On the other hand, it can be stressful and draining. So, if you only focus on the overwhelming pressure to live longer, you’re probably shortening your life span with all the stress.  Instead, focus on the specific things you can do to increase your health and wellness.

Longevity Focused Self-Care

1. Drink a cool glass of water.
2. Sit outside and get some sunshine on your face.
3. Go for a walk (in nature, with a good book on audible or some rockin’ tunes).
4. Treat yourself to a yoga class.
5. Meditate, even if you only have a minute or two before bed.
6. Cook a healthy meal you love.
7. Pack yourself a healthy lunch.
8. Eat a piece of fruit that is in season and ripe.
9. Keep cut raw veggies on hand.
10. Sleep as much as you can.
11. Don’t forget the 20-minute power nap.
12. Get a good sleep mask to improve your quality of sleep.
13. Stay connected with friends who fill your cup.
14. Let critical friends go – they may be taking more than they’re giving.
15. End your day with a cup of herbal tea, and take a quiet minute to reset before bed.

Focusing your self-care moments on these four pillars (exercise, nutrition, sleep and emotional health) and you will be paying yourself dividends for today and for all the days ahead.