Frugality is all encompassing in our lives. Some people, for whatever reason, go to a variety of lengths for the sake of saving money. I appreciate, even admire, those who live on such small amounts of money, stretching every last penny.
To begin, we need to address our medical needs. I am one who believes very firmly that to take care of ourselves involves eating nutritiously, exercising within a reasonable amount (not becoming obsessive), getting enough sleep, and as the need arises, visiting the doctor, whichever one is necessary.
Eating nutritiously involves something different to each person. Due to our uniqueness, each of our nutrition needs are different. For example, a man who is 25 years old, 200 pounds, and works construction will have different nutrition needs than a 25 year old man, 200 pounds, and works behind a desk. Our lifestyles need to take in to account how much exercise we get as well as our nutrition levels, how much we consume in carbohydrates vs not.
Eating nutritiously will also keep our bodies working at optimal levels, as does exercise. I personally use hand weights, stretches, twists, leg lifts, walking, swimming and sometimes it feels like it isn't enough. I'm considering adding in Christian Yoga as well as the T-tapp program. These are programs for myself. It wouldn't be "ok" for someone else, though. I'm trying to look around to find these programs less expensively than "new." I'm waiting patiently to find them. That's a big part of this process of frugality--patience.
Getting enough rest is always a challenge, especially in today's busy society. Everyone's body is unique and the needs of each person extremely vast, so to put everyone in to a cookie cutter of expectation is unrealistic. As a parent it is our responsibility to make sure our children get the rest their little bodies need. Also as a parent, it is important for us to care for our own needs for rest as well. Sleep for moms of little ones who wake through the night is fleeting. It is important for new moms to sleep when little ones sleep-round the clock to recover well from giving birth. It is unrealistic, though, to expect toddlers and school age children to sleep as much as a newborn, so if mom has more children, it gets tricky juggling sleep. I have put the older ones down for their naps, snuggled baby to nurse and fallen asleep with baby safely in my arms. I've also put kid shows on, snuggled a little one, and fallen asleep for a 20 minute "catnap" without having an issue. It is something to discover what would work well for your own family. If a new mom doesn't get enough rest, she will develop Post Partum Depression. I've been there before and it is a very scary place to be when the walls start closing in on you. When that happens, it is important to tell someone to get some help. In our society, it is a sign of weakness if we ask for help, but in my opinion, it is a sign of great strength to ask for help.
At the different stages of life there are greater needs for rest and less needs for rest. We need to recognize those needs and adjust accordingly. We need to communicate with our family of that need and ask for their help when we need to just go take an hour nap to feel re-energized to take on the rest of the evening fulfilling our responsibilities.
In order for our mind to work well, we need to eat, we need to sleep, and we need oxygen in the form of exercise. In order to think about all that we need to accomplish, think clearly, and work on the variety of levels of frugality that our own personal family situation dictates, requires that we care for our bodies in an optimal manner at every stage of life. Take care of yourself so you can take care of others!
Have a Blessed Day!
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