When the flight attendants gives instructions on how to put on an oxygen mask, they put their own mask on first, before assisting the helpless kid next to them.
During this crisis, we are no good to our neighbors if we don’t take care of ourselves.
While working this past week, I forgot to eat and drink for hours. Two nights in a row I ate cheese and potato chips for dinner. (I know that sounds good, especially with white wine.)
The best thing we can do in order to serve others is to make sure we help and heal ourselves. Get on a routine, get to sleep, don’t stare at the TV (that’s just depressing), eat regularly, drink water and exercise.
A few weeks ago, Dishan from Human@Ease (31 Nassau Ave) surprise scheduled me for donation based Community Shiatsu Massage, which takes place Wednesdays from 10am-1pm. I was unprepared, wearing jeans and a t-shirt, but it didn’t matter.
Tarek Aylouch, the Shiatsu Massage Master instructed me to lie on the mat face down with my clothes on and for 10 minutes he worked magic on my mind and muscles. Some people are true healers. I was having shoulder pain from working on the computer and it really helped to relieve stress and tension, not to mention the overall sense of calm I felt afterwards. Next time I will schedule a longer massage, at least thirty minutes.
According to the website: “Using Acupressure on the body, [Shiatsu] opens up the channels of qi in the body calming the nervous system which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.”
Let Tarek open up you Qi. Recommended tip (and steal): $20.
Be healthy, Greenpoint.