Contributed by Bob Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
You need to change the scenery every once and awhile.
I have been vacationing quite a bit this summer and it does so many things. It helps you relax, eventually, LOL. But pay attention to your moods. Your body language, and mental mind set. Things always seem better if you get away from it all.
Question: Are you resilient in taking the time to plan vacations? Are you also resilient in your everyday approach to things? Or, do you tend to procrastinate and almost become too passive?
For me, even before this journey started, I tried to work hard but also took the time to plan those getaways. You can make any excuse in the world not to.
“I’m too busy.”
“Work is crazy.”
“I don’t feel well enough” — love this one. So, when will we feel just perfect we go away from home? Unfortunately, I know many that don’t. You HAVE TO DO IT FRIENDS!!!
“Can’t afford it,” PLAN BETTER, YOU DESERVE IT!
So, do staycations count? I say no. You find things to aggravate you. Like, yard work and projects. House projects, indoors and honey-do lists. There are always things isn’t there?
However, some swear by them, but they also plan day trips to explore their own turf. That makes sense, but I still believe the change of scenery is key. I say, leave the day trips to weekends throughout the year and explore away. But that is just me. 😊
Either way, you must be resilient in your approach to vacations as much if not more than your job. Your job can consume you and swallow you up.
Same with your health journey, even more in my opinion. Resilient in your approach to recovery, maintaining, and keeping your mental state ALIVE!!!
When I was on vacation these past few weeks. I had some mind demons. Things that brought on some self-pity episodes. “I can’t to do this anymore. I can’t do that anymore.” I started feeling a bit sorry for myself. Now, I think it’s ok to be that way if it doesn’t head towards depression. Short episodes and move on. If it is too much, talk to someone, find a way to release those feelings in a healthy way. It can ruin quality time, I know, trust me.
You can do most things you used to except slower. You were a runner; you have to walk now.
I used to jump in the car and go … well, now I have oxygen in the car most of the time so I can have that sense of freedom. My friends and family would say, hey you forgot your oxygen, I explained what I was doing. ALL GOOD!!!
Yard work, I always loved being busy outside. I still am, but I must pick the days. Sometimes it’s too hot. Be smart but do it if you like it. I place oxygen tanks in certain areas and know I can get to them and it makes me feel somewhat normal.
(Oxygen suppliers charge you the same whether you order a few or a lot of tanks). Depending on your insurance of course but most have a monthly rate.
But travel with POCs. Make the purchase if you haven’t. You don’t have to look too far from this blog. 😊
It is hard, I get it. Load up the oxygen and ALL the supplies, electric plugs, extra batteries, a few oxygen tanks. I tend to pack what I can a few days in advance. Find a place in the garage to start piling necessities.
Less stress, better excitement for the journey. After all who didn’t stress before vacations anyway. Everyone does, DON’T LIE TO ME!!! LOL.
Take along your favorite CAIRE oxygen therapy device and accessories and go.
PLAN, PLAN, PLAN!!! Be resilient in your approach.
Don’t procrastinate, life is too short.
Enjoy, my friends!
Love you ALL!!!
#laugheveryday
#breathe-easy
#touchaheart
– Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 13-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, and marketing guru. He uses a FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.