"Self-Care: The Cat's Meow"
By Dena Dyer
http://www.denadyer.com/

All of my best friends own cats. Now, that may not seem like a big deal to you, but get this: I’m so allergic to cats that I wheeze just looking at them. If I’m in a house with multiple felines, you’d better have 911 on speed-dial.
But lately I’ve found out (from online research—you didn’t think I’d do it in person, did you?) that cats can be good for you. Scientists have actually proven that pets reduce stress in their owners.

I’m not suggesting you run out and adopt the nearest stray. However, I am advising you to inventory your daily habits and stress levels. Why? Because if we busy moms are not healthy—emotionally, spiritually and physically—then our mates, kids, jobs and affinity groups will be the second ones who feel it (right after we feel it).
In I Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul writes: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit . . .? You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.”

Several years ago, I was diagnosed with an under-active thyroid. And believe it or not, it’s a gift. This illness, which often leads to fatigue and depression when I overdo or under-rest, forces me to have healthy habits.

Here are a few things I can no longer do without:

Cat Naps

I nap when I can—and that means when my husband is caring for our young son, or when Jordan is at preschool. Naps have helped me make it through the rest of the day on many occasions.

Cat Food

I’ve found that my body does much better when I feed it plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean meats, little or no sugar and caffeine, and lots of water. (This is a daily struggle for someone like me, who grew up on chicken fried steak. When your dad’s a cattle rancher, you don’t eat a lot of chicken!)

Cat Stretches

I have always disliked exercising . . . almost as much as I loathed being around cats. But staying active helps me feel better emotionally. I now try to exercise at least three times a week, and I feel it (negatively) when I don’t. Exercising gives me energy, instead of taking it. That leads me to my last (and undeniably, favorite) “Cat-egory” about taking care of myself:

Cat Scratches

Have you ever had an hour-long, energy-giving, relaxing-to-the-core massage—complete with soft music and candles? If not, you’re missing out. Listen, I truly love my family’s affections, but I’m not above paying for a good kneading of my muscles now and then. (I just wish I could get my insurance to pay for it!) That hour of being pampered is so worth the expense.

If massages aren’t for you, try rocking your child to sleep or cuddling with your spouse at the end of the day. Have your teenage daughter rub your hands with lotion, and then return the favor.
As you’ll discover, tender touches—and all the aspects of self-care I’ve talked about--are definitely the cat’s meow.

Dena Dyer is a writer, singer, actress and speaker who has had short stories, articles, book reviews, poems and devotionals published in over 100 magazines, including Woman’s World, Today’s Christian Woman, Spirit-Led Woman, Brio, HomeLife and Discipleship Journal. She is a regular columnist for SHINE magazine and has contributed to several books, including Rest Stops for Busy Moms (B & H, 2003) and God’s Little Devotional Book for Grandparents (Honor, 2003). Dena makes her home in Granbury, Texas, with her son (Jordan, 4) and performer/producer hubby (Carey, 31 but a child at heart). For more information, visit her website at: http://www.denadyer.com/ and read her blog at www.denadyer.typepad.com.