To The Provider of The House: Take Care Of Thine Self, Too

There are different arrangements, roles and responsibilities we create in our family and romantic relationships. There are many families and relationships that have a primary breadwinner. For the person earning most of the income for the household, this can be a point of pride. But it also can be anxiety producing at the same time. Often the primary provider can get so focused on their provider role, they don't allow the time for anything else. When we can't "shut off", that is a symptom that we need to take a look at how well we are taking care of ourselves.

Enter the self care part. And what the hell is self care, anyhow? There is a lot to what goes into self care. But without going too far into it, self care to me is the consistent practice of taking care of your body, mind and spirit. This includes work life balance, engaging in hobbies, having downtime. For many meditation and prayer are important. It may be setting the work phone down definitively for a period of time and being more present with yourself and your loved ones. It may be getting out with friends more consistently, and sharing whats really going on with you.

There is this careful balance to be had between work, and allowing yourself to rest, reset, or do recreation. But when the main provider of the house takes care of their self better, they take care of their family better, and their quality of work tends to improve as well.