As the countdown to the big day grows near my to do list grows larger. It’s like I cross one thing off and add three. What gives?? Well, me. I kind of did it to myself. We are having a back yard wedding so it’s very much do it yourself. Fortunately, we have support and help from some awesome family and friends!!!

But, this whole scenario of to-do lists, prioritizing and racing around has reminded me the importance of being present, and relaxing. This is the body tip for today.  When I was a massage therapist I would tell my patients, and remind myself, that if we do not take care of our selves then we can not take care of the ones we love. If we are always racing around, eating a horrible diet, never exercising and always being stressed out your body well tell you. Here are some signs:

1. Blood pressure: Not something most of us monitor on a daily basis, but in reality you should keep an eye on those two numbers. It is a gauge of how hard your heart is working to keep you crossing off things on your to do list. New research states if your blood pressure is above 120/80 you are considered to be pre-hypertensive. Meaning you are crossing a dangerous line into hypertension, or having high blood pressure.

2. Headaches: could be from tense muscles, stress causing your hormones to go wacky, diet, lack of sleep or high blood pressure. It’s trial and error getting these babies under control. So take some down time, make sure you are getting enough zzzz’s, and do not go longer than 4 hours without eating. Do preventive measures now to stop these before they even have a chance to take hold.

3. Laundry list of problems: chronic pain, depression, anxiety, irraitability…. Seriously, it goes on…. I see many pts having a difficult time recovering from an injury or chronic pain because they can not STOP. And now it starts younger. I just had a 14 year old with pain in both knees because her muscles were very imbalanced from playing two sports at one time, and not allowing her body to rest during  a huge growth spurt.

Ok, I’m not down with all this negativity. So let’s talk about solutions:

Schedule yourself workouts, plan your meals and snacks ahead of time so they are easy to grab and go. Start a bedtime routine to unwind, like read a book or do some stretches, or take a shower while doing some gentle stretches. Make sure the t.v. in your bedroom is off. In fact throw that sucker out the window, not a fan.

I know those to-do lists keep on going. Just remind yourself – it will get done. Tomorrow is another day. If you take care of your self now, you will be able to do more and enjoy more tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after…..