Physically, this has been a rough week. After running every single day for about a week, my legs began to feel extremely tired and eventually I could no longer put pressure on my left leg. I went to the doctors for my physical check-up when I found out I had shin splints.
Shin splints happen for several different reasons: [1]
- Irritated and swollen muscles, often from overuse.
- Stress fractures, which are they breaks in the lower leg bones.
- Overpronation or “flat feet” when the impact of a step can make your foot arch collapse.
- Weakness in stablizing muscles of the hips or core.
There are several tips on treating shin splints. The best treatment is to simply rest, taking pressure off your leg when it comes to your exercise. I injured my leg because of overuse, overexercise.
Life can have a few “shin splints” as well. When we keep going and going without rest, sometimes it’ll break us. This year, one of my new goals for 2016 is to take time out of my schedule for rest. Resting physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.
I’m currently taking classes to earn my Master’s degree. Along with my classes, I have a full-time career in downtown Los Angeles, a ministry during the weekend with Hillcrest Baptist, and occasional appointments when it comes to photography and videography. My life is extremely busy and sometimes I wish it wasn’t. Along with the busy schedule of my job, school, ministry, etc… I try to make time for my family and friends. It isn’t easy but it is important to keep your friends close and your family closer. I don’t want to be one of those “I’m too busy for you” people. No one likes those kind of people. Using much of my time at all these different priorities of my life can be extremely tiring physically, mentally, emotionally, and most of all spiritually.
It is important to take a day off. I am trying to do that this year, attempting to make rest an important priority in my life. Just like how resting your leg will help heal and make your leg stronger, resting your “life” will help you regain your energy, recuperate, and make you stronger for the days to come. With my shin splints, I am still able to exercise other parts of my body. Likewise, with your “life splints”, you might have to take some physical, mental, emotional rest… but you can still spiritually exercise.