Jack, the owner of a bustling beach restaurant, consistently carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He helps his employees cope with their stress, emotionally supports his best friend in coping with an ailing parent, and works tirelessly to keep the family business thriving. Sometimes, Jack feels like a mole, never leaving his work or other responsibilities behind.
Four years ago, Jack walked down the boardwalk and procured a beach chair, promising himself that someday soon he’d sit out on the sand like the tourists do and try to be happy. The beach chair remains in its spot in the closet, unused. Jack, meanwhile, is depleted.
Jack does for everyone and everything around him but often neglects self-care. As its name suggests, self-care is any activity a person engages in to care for themselves and to meet their emotional, physical, or social needs.
Self-care doesn't have to be a grand gesture. It's about engaging in fun, relaxing, or feel-good activities. When used consistently (more consistent = more effective), self-care can reduce stress levels and feelings of burnout while increasing general happiness and well-being.
Here are tips to incorporate and benefit from self-care:
Give Yourself Permission to Relax: Prioritize calming time as highly as everything else on your to-do list. When you consider skipping taking care of yourself, mentally list the benefits of relaxing.
Start Basic and Build: First, ensure you’re meeting the most basic everyday needs regarding eating, sleeping, hygiene, and movement. Add once you’ve solidified these healthy habits.
Schedule Self-Care: Calendar relaxing time like you’d schedule a meeting. If something comes up and you have to shift your plans, reschedule the self-care within 24 hours.
Create a Cut-Off: Designate an end-of-day time when you will stop working, responding to emails, folding laundry, etc., and consider the productive part of the day done.
Lean into What You Love: Explore your interests and identify activities you enjoy. Ideas include meditating, creating art, taking a bath, yoga, pampering, and playing or listening to music.
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