You Can Continue To Support Your Families

Whether you are continuing to stay open or not during these times, you are likely caring for less people, including children, in your office. And yet, you can still serve your patients! We know the powerful and positive impact a calm mind has on the health of our physical bodies. Your professional guidance is paramount during these times.

Here are some tips I am offering families in our office both face to face and from a distance.

~There is no process that does not require time. A process exists in everything from stress and injury to healing and adaptation and all of life in between. In the weeks ahead, you may feel ups and downs, but it is important to know that this is a process to figure out as you go. There is no right or wrong way.

~You can adapt. Do you remember your life before kids? Is it much different now? You have learned to adapt by adding extra minutes when trying to leave the house, not leaving the house at all, planning sports and playdates, making sure school papers are signed and teacher emails are read, making dinner before 9 PM, and so on. Maybe cloth napkins at dinner are replaced with sleeves, the magic eraser is your new best friend, and you question why you even have doors on your bathroom at all. Just like you learned to adapt to life with kids, you, too, will adapt to this over time. (Hint: It may take time. Go back to #1.)

~Give yourself a break. If you are feeling overwhelmed with new responsibilities and trying to figure out all of your additional roles, give yourself permission to take a break. It won’t be the same as it was a month ago. There is an excellent chance that some things will not feel successful some of the time. Know that it is ok if you can’t do it all, all of the time. Honestly, who really can?

~Be good to yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for others is to do something for yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, on edge, stressed, or any other emotion that gives you a feeling of dread, ask yourself what do you need? Do you need time alone, to go for a walk outside, take a scenic drive, read for pleasure, watch a comedy, write, breathe, take a nap, bake, or call a friend to laugh. Do what fills up your cup. It doesn’t matter if its in the middle of the day or the last thing you do before bed. Tell your kids you are taking a break for 15 minutes and give them something to do to occupy themselves. It can actually be a good teaching moment. If another parent is involved, make a plan to make sure each of you carves out a little time to do what you need. In the end, you will come back recharged and ready.

Now more then ever, you can offer your expertise to families who have always looked to you for support. As we each juggle our practice and our families, remember to do these things for yourself too.