R U OK? Day is coming up this Thursday on September 10th, and it has made me remember how terrible us Equestrians can be at giving ourselves the love and care that we need to be our best selves. Most the time we are too busy caring for our horses, working our day jobs and looking after our families and friends, to make time for ourselves.
One of the biggest lessons in life that I have learnt so far, is that your own personal health needs to come first. Whether that be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual, they are all very integral to you being able to function in not only a healthy way, but also a happy and effective way. It took me having to cope with my own health struggles to realise that for me to be able to be the best worker, wife, daughter, and horse and dog mum for my loved ones, I needed to make my own needs a priority first. If there are things inside of you screaming at you to act upon them, you probably should as soon as you can. Even taking the time to medidate, ride for fun, read a book, take a bath, get your nails done, paint, whatever it might be that helps you relax is so so important in contributing to your overall health.
Life gets really rough sometimes, and we are only human, so sometimes coping gets really difficult. There are always people and animals around to help you cope, or resources such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline, MyCompass, self help books and courses, and the knowledge of your friends and family that can assist in getting you through.
I would love if all of you can promise, not only this Thursday, but at least once or twice every week, to do things to look after YOU. Look out for those around you that might be going through their own struggles right now, and know how to have a conversation with them to help them to cope, and smile again. Take care, and keep on loving those equine lives of yours!
Feature Image courtesy of Living Equine ©
– Skye Pickering Dip. Horse Business Management.