Nothing is Normal Time: Tired Yet?

I believe it is safe to say that all children in American are now officially enjoying some sort of winter school break. As  food allergy parents, we see this break full of family, holidays, celebrations and as a  time that nothing is normal. We are hosting, navigating events, inviting family and friends into our home while working to keep our food allergic family safe. We are label reading, calling manufacturers, speaking endlessly about the details of each activity and events to determine minimal cross-contact risk and the list goes on. From experience, we all fully understand that reactions happen when nothing is normal and our protocols, routines are altered while our attention is fighting off extra distractions.
Our stress levels rise as we explain why butter is still dairy, gluten-free does not equal nut-free and made in the same facility is high risk. Well-intended efforts from others leave us exhausted and hoping a secret closet to hide in magically pops up.
Nothing makes us happier than providing safe foods and environments for our families and I know we would all do it over again and again. BUT, many of us fail to slow down and take care of ourselves.
I was at an event with several parents in attendance not long ago. One-by-one they shared stories of getting sick, their physicians asking them to slow it down and better care. Emergency room visits for themselves and struggling with the blues seemed to be a theme. The common thread–we were all food allergy parents.
The holidays year bring anticipated stress to the masses and when managing life-threatening food allergies we just pile on another layer of strain. Maybe it is time for us to pause, for a just a few brief moments and think about ourselves specifically when nothing is normal? What are we doing to take care of our mind? Our body? And most of all, our souls? Are we refreshing ourselves every day while we eat right and get enough sleep?
First of all, I try to pause each morning and focus on the day, challenges and when I will take a break!
I get so excited about all the fabulous things that I can do, that I forget that I really can’t do it all. This last year, I’ve watched several of those close to me battle some tough health issues and of course, given my personality, I’ve decided that I am surely next! That is when I realized that I need to build into my day (or night), time to pause for a cup of tea or coffee and to schedule in a few fun activities that are creative or with people whose company I adore. It’s been amazing!! Who thought I would anxiously await a cup of tea and a food magazine with the same gusto and getting waiting for Santa? It was at that moment, I realized that I was giving myself the gift of me time. I also realized that me time doesn’t have to be going out, a spa visit or something big and flashy (although, flash is welcomed). I a simple pair of fuzzy slippers seem to create the right environment.
It has been invigorating!!
My wish and hope to you is during this Nothing-is-Normal-Time when everything is off base, consider working in a short few minutes in to meditate, do a yoga stretch or even have a cup of tea to refresh yourself. Choose something that is all about you and serves no one, but you! I know it sounds selfish, but my you taking care of your health and well-being, you are taking care of those most loved!

What do you do right now to take care of yourself during these hectic days!?  Please share below…. inquiring minds want to know…

Side-bar: Oops, I’m wrong! Super incredible food allergy Mama, Kristin Osborne, who I am going to discuss here in January since she is doing something very interesting that we are all going to want to hear about, just shared her children are in school until the 23rd!