Drink Before You Are Thirsty: A Reminder to Prioritize Self-Care
I bought a gravel bike this spring and have been finding so much joy in riding a bike and learning about the ins and outs of it. I feel like a kid again as I peddle hard and feel the wind on my face. In the process of building up my stamina and fitness, I have been learning about what helps as one builds-in more distance or rides for longer periods of time. Recently, somewhere on social media, I listened to a cyclist's advice to “drink before you are thirsty”, because by the time your body registers thirst, you are already dehydrated. This stuck with me and I have been reflecting on it as a metaphor.
More than a guideline
As summer comes to an end and the season shifts, for some, life starts to get busier. The
freedom and space of the summer is replaced by routine, deadlines, expectations, and overall busyness. Something I want to remember is to drink before I am thirsty. In other words, to take care of myself before I notice something is depleted. I want to be proactive in the way I care for myself, because I know that my human needs are as important as the checklist of deadlines and priorities.
If that resonates for you, I hope you find ways to do that for yourself too. Move and stretch before your body aches, reach out for social support before you are weighed down with loneliness, sleep before your eyes force you to close them, ask for help before you crash, etc. And while we care for ourselves, let’s also care for each other and allow others to care for us. Sometimes, our loved ones can notice a need going unmet before we do and vice versa. And know that we are here for you too. If accessing psychology support is a part of your self care, you can come before you are in crisis, and know that it isn’t too late to reach out at any stage.
Reach out for support with self-care
At Off the Beaten Path, we are a team of professionals who help people learn to attune to and care for their needs AND we are human beings who do it for ourselves, for each other, and for our friends and families. Community is what helps us survive and thrive - even online communities from social media. I have gratitude for those who share their insights with me whether it's online, in person, or in a counselling session.
I hope you can be gentle with yourself as the season shifts and you navigate life’s transitions.
With care and gratitude,
Karli
This blog was written by Karli Alm , Registered Psychologist | Off the Beaten Path Psychology and Wellness | Airdrie, Alberta
At Off the Beaten Path Psychology, we provide counselling and therapy services to individuals, couples, and families in Airdrie, Calgary, and Cochrane, Alberta. Our team supports anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, and trauma recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health journey.