I’ve been thinking about self-care a lot lately because of all that we are going through right now with the pandemic, inflation, burnout at work… I took a workshop titled the “Ethics of Self-Care” last week, and it reminded me that I need to really be aware and dedicated to self-care in all of its forms. Some people may think of self-care practices such as bubble baths, a massage or a pedicure. But self-care goes way beyond that in my experience. When I think about self-care, I think about how I’m treating myself in all of the areas of my life including within myself. For example, how am I talking to myself? Am I criticizing and being hard on myself? Treating myself less than I would a friend or loved one? Am I pushing myself to the limit of my energy level at work and at home without a break? Am I forgetting to eat or rest or spend time with friends or loved ones? All of these things can contribute to a self-care crisis if you will.

So now what? We can always start again. Since the workshop I took, I have been much more aware of my internal dialogue which helps me to stop and change up what I am saying to myself. Speaking affirmations or accurate statements has helped me tremendously over the years. I have been consciously breathing more (inhale on the count of 4, hold for 7, exhale on the count of 8). Self-care is self-love. I sometimes ask myself “What would make my life more wonderful in this moment?” I gleaned that question from the work of Marshall Rosenburg’s book Non-Violent Communication. It was suggested in the workshop to write down on strips of paper all of the ways you want to practice self-care and put them in a jar. Each day pull one strip of paper out and that will be your “assignment” for the day. I like this idea because I have a good “forgetter.”

February is typically associated with Valentine’s Day, sharing love with a partner or spouse. I challenge you to do something loving for yourself this February. Getting outside more, purchasing a light box for these cloudy cold days, getting that gym membership you’ve been meaning to get, redecorating a room to give you a fresh perspective on your space…what comes to mind when you think about doing something loving for yourself? I’m going to take more stretch breaks during my workday, just for a minute to move my body and come back to my work a little more grounded and energized. Life is not easy right now. It’s just not. Whatever small action you can take to include more ease in your life, do that! If you need support in this area of your life, you can always reach out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support. To get connected you can call us at 800-678-6265 or do an online request here.

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