In today’s time and space, self-care has become an increasingly important and popular phenomenon. We are still living with the global pandemic, which has affected everyone in some way.
Self-care is often thought of as being selfish, which is the last thing that should come to your mind when thinking about taking care of yourself. Self-care trends on social media have gained a lot of traction since the start of the pandemic. We often push our health and wellbeing to low on our priority list, especially when something else comes up that we consider to be ‘more important or urgent,’ but this should never be the case.
Self-care is all about maintaining a balance in your life, ensuring that you have the resources you need when times are tough so that you can navigate through the hard times.
Let me share with you how I maintain my work-life balance alongside some tips that would help you to care for yourself.
I have some difficult things in my personal life right now and, I’ll be honest, I’m finding it harder than usual to balance my work with the rest of my life. But if you follow me, you probably know how strongly I believe in looking after ourselves and asking for what we need. It’s important for me to walk the walk! It can be really difficult to do that, so here’s what I’m doing at the moment to look after myself:
- I’m planning & preparing for training sessions well in advance where possible, as that means I can accommodate more unexpected changes to my schedule.
- I’m being as clear as possible with colleagues about what I need from them. Also, what’s possible or not possible for me at the moment.
- I’m asking for help where I need it, including outsourcing some work (like some bits of my marketing, and some of my training delivery).
- I’m prioritizing and deciding what’s important and what can wait. And sticking to it!
- I’m being honest with clients and setting expectations so that they are happy to be flexible when I have to reschedule meetings.
- I’m taking my regular daily walks to ensure I am getting some physical activity.
- I’m leaning on family and friends for support when needed, and allowing myself to let my eyes get leaky on the odd occasion!!
For the rest of the day, I rely on a very simple yet effective self-care routine comprising of various elements;
- Eating Healthily. What you eat is what you become! Eating healthy cannot be stressed enough, not only does it give your body all the energy you need to get through the day but also ensures that you remain fit.
- Moving! Self-care means taking care of your body both physically and mentally. Therefore, I ensure I take my walk for at least 30 mins a day.
- Socializing. Socializing, going out with friends, trying new things, and gaining new experiences help you to break from the work routines and from having to focus on the difficulties that life has thrown at you. Additionally, you become more productive when you take such breaks every once in a while.
- Meditation/self-hypnosis. Self-hypnosis is something I have used to relax since I trained as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist in 2008. It utilizes the same brainwaves as meditation, so I meditate or use self-hypnosis regularly to help manage my stress levels. I would highly recommend you give meditation a go.
- Practice self-compassion. I know I have a lot I could be focusing on right now, but my family has had to take priority. So by occasionally taking a day out to go to the coast, or to take a walk with a friend, or to focus on filing because that is all my brain feels capable of is fine. I have let myself off the hook, because I know I can focus on the other aspects of the business when I have am in the right headspace.
Setting a priority for self-care is not selfish. I sometimes have clients who really struggle to do this, but I often ask them if you are not responsible for yourself, who is? We need to recognise the only person we are responsible for is ourselves. Even during these tough times when I have been responsible for the care of others, I have still prioritised my morning walks, eating well, talking it over and prioritizing what is needed, otherwise I would be facing burnout.
Doing what your body and mind need is the first and the most essential thing required during a time of crisis, so if you make it a habit when times are good, it will be easier to stick to when times are tough.
I wish you well with whatever life is offering you right now.
