Giving of oneself requires balance to avoid exhaustion. While it can be satisfying to help others, overgiving without taking time for oneself can negatively impact physical and mental health. The document recommends making self-care a priority when feeling low on energy in order to maintain well-being and the ability to care for others. Taking time for hobbies, creativity, and empathy allows one to recharge and remain a giving, caring person in relationships.

1. Refilling the Well

2. There are times in life when you give until
there is nothing left. For those of you who
naturally take on the role of the giver, you
may find yourself running on fumes. Giving of
oneself can be one of the most satisfying
feelings, but it's important to be mindful of
how much you can offer others without
exhausting your own resources. As a parent,
tending to the members of your family can
mean late nights helping with homework or
rushing from one practice to another.

3. As a spouse, you may find yourself depleting
emotional energy as you respond to the
needs of your partner. Being a friend to
everyone no matter the day, time or place can
be yet another drain on your body, mind, and
spirit.

4. Giving of oneself requires balance. You can
still give as a parent, a spouse, and a friend,
as long as you make time for yourself.
Learning how to keep a balance between your
giving self and your personal self can give you
more energy to feed both. Always remember
that refilling your inner well is never a sign of
weakness. Consider it just another act of
giving—to yourself. Here are the benefits you
will see from taking time out of your giving to
rejuvenate yourself.

5. Working within Your Limits
Whether you realize it or not, hitting empty
on your energy level can have far-reaching
effects outside of being able to provide
support for your family and friends. Depleting
your energy both mentally and physically can
lead to health concerns such as insomnia,
depression, and difficulty communicating
effectively. Being tired can also be dangerous.
Your cognitive function is slower, meaning
reaction time to oncoming threats is
diminished.

6. Know your limits where giving is concerned. If
you feel that you are extremely low on
energy, then make your self-care a priority.
Maintaining your strength is vital to your well-
being—you can’t give what you don’t have.

7. Freeing Your Creativity
While health is at the forefront of reasons
why we should all invest a little more time in
refilling our well, there are many other
reasons why it is a crucial part of a balanced
life. Being drained zaps any sort of creativity
you might have for things you enjoy.
Nurturing your creative side ensures you have
a well-rounded self-care regimen in place to
combat the fatigue you feel from
continuously being on the go.

8. Enjoying specific hobbies you are passionate
about—gardening, swimming, playing sports,
dancing, reading a good book, creating or
appreciating art, playing music, horseback
riding, etc. not only refreshes you but also
allows your creative mind to play.

9. Fostering Empathy
Giving to other people means that you have a
certain amount of empathy at the ready.
Putting yourself in their place and trying to
understand what they are going through
allows you to be a true caregiver. But when
the well runs dry, it may not be as easy to
empathize with other people and what they
are going through. Taking time to reenergize
yourself also refills your capacity for empathy.
Being a caregiver requires great empathy, so
please consider keeping your well filled and
energized like you would maintain a car.

10. A car needs attention and care to make sure
it's in working order, just as you need to keep
your self-care well full to provide your best
side for those you love.

11. May you give yourself permission to refill your
well so that you feel balanced and whole.
https://www.atimeforexpression.com/