Secure Your Own Mask: Self-Care
Have you heard the saying, “Secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others?”
No we aren’t talking about face masks! Anyone who has been on a plane before has heard this saying firsthand. For many people it is hard to understand the logic of that. Take a parent- their first instinct is going to be to get that mask on their child, but the fact of the matter is, you cannot help anyone if you’re unconscious. That is self-care in a nutshell- taking care of YOU and your needs before you burnout. Self-care is always important, but especially now when individual’s wellness is being put to the test during the pandemic.
Some Examples of Self-Care
Be good to yourself
Love yourself
Keep yourself healthy
Encourage yourself
Try new things
Do things you enjoy
Do something nice for someone else
Why is Self-Care Important?
Self-care is essential for staying healthy. Now what do we mean when we say “healthy?” Individual wellness can be broken down into different dimensions: emotional, physical, spiritual, intellectual, environmental and social. Other dimensions are sometimes included as well. Taking care of yourself means addressing all of these categories. I know what you’re thinking- that sounds like a lot of work. Not necessarily! These dimensions are all connected and work together to promote wellness. One activity could hit multiple dimensions! Take for example going for a walk around the block. Depending on the person, this walk could affect all six types of wellness. Not only are you engaging in physical activity, but during this walk you could clear your mind from the stresses in your life, you can absorb the sunshine and fresh air, you can wave to your neighbors as you pass and you can get in touch with your inner self- all while just going for a simple walk!
“You can’t pour from an empty cup” - Just like you can’t help someone if you’re unconscious, you can’t give what you don’t have. Not taking care of yourself can cause you to feel “empty,” literally and figuratively. How are you supposed to be there for someone emotionally when your own emotions are all over the place from different stressors? You can’t. Nor should you be expected to. Whether it is personally or professionally, something is always calling on you to be “present.” Fill yourself up so that you can continue to do what is needed from you.
Self-Care During COVID-19
Practicing self-care can be more difficult during a pandemic. Many people during this pandemic have been called to action to take care of those who are sick. This does not leave much time for those individuals to practice self-care. Being an essential worker does not mean that your needs must be pushed to the back burner. Not only is the pandemic the reason that some people feel that they can’t practice self-care, it is also the cause for needing self-care. COVID-19 has caused stress and disrupted the lives of people across the entire world. Combating that with self-care is just as essential as washing your hands and socially distancing.
Ways to Practice Self-Care During COVID-19
Set up a routine at home
Eat healthy
Get enough sleep
Exercise
Yoga
Meditation
Read
Listen to music
Arts And crafts
Play video games
Pamper yourself
Journal
Watch your favorite shows
Learn something new
Think and focus on the positives in your life
Use technology to connect with friends and family
So now self-care will be a priority, right? Listen, we understand that it is easier said than done to take time for yourself in a world that is demanding of so many aspects of yourself. Start small, you don’t have to conquer self-care in a day! Take that walk, binge that show and do what you need to do to fill yourself up little by little.
We are always willing to help you start the conversation on how you can start practicing some self-care. Let us know some of the ways that you like to engage in self-care!