Importance of self-care

I never realized how much time I was focusing on work and letting it consume me until I had an injury and was off work for 4 months. I was told that I was not to look at my computer or email, or answer my phone while I was off. The first 2-3 weeks were almost unbearable. I was so worried about my patients and wanted to check to make sure that I hadn't forgotten to report anything to the people covering for me. As the weeks progressed, I was able to relax and reconnect with myself and my own needs. By the end of 2 months, I was able to enjoy my life again without thinking of work at all. I re-connected and spent well-deserved time with family and friends, helped my elderly neighbor plant and care for a garden, and remembered the importance of self care. I was finally able to get back to being me!