International Self-Care Day is July 24, 2024. We asked NH staff how they practice self-care and why it’s important to them – this is what they said:
Why is self-care important to you?
Many staff members commented that self-care practices are especially important for health care providers. Being a caring professional is rewarding, but can also be physically, mentally, and emotionally draining.
As one person wisely said, "You can't serve others from an empty cup." Another respondent described how burnout amongst healthcare professionals is seen as "normal," and noted "if we do not take care of ourselves first, we run the risk of compromising our care for others."
Self-care looks unique for everyone, because we all have unique circumstances. One person described how easy it is to forget about taking care of themselves until they’re actually ill: "Being a new immigrant with a new job/new workplace/new city and being a mom takes a great toll on mental and physical health, and in the midst of everything we forget about ourselves. Self-care becomes the lowest priority until it hits you hard in the form of sickness."
"Self-care makes my days more enjoyable so that I can honestly say life is worth living!" added another respondent.
How do you take care of yourself?
While each person’s approach to self-care is unique, there were common threads: Physical activity, prioritizing sleep, and getting fresh air during outdoor activities. Staff also mentioned social interactions and setting boundaries as ways to take care of themselves. As one individual put it, "I bike to work each day. Biking to and from work allows me time to be outside, feel the temperature, breathe fresh air, say good morning to strangers, and mentally prepare but also decompress the day."
For others, being outside is the key to feeling centered and at peace. "Taking time to be outdoors ALWAYS makes me feel better," one person said.
Setting boundaries is another crucial aspect of self-care. "I am very protective around my sleep, rest, and down time," said one respondent.
This sentiment was echoed by another person, who emphasized the importance of prioritizing sleep. "I take care of myself by going to bed early, drinking plenty of water and starting my day with an early morning walk," they said.
But self-care isn't just about solitary pursuits. Social interactions can also play a vital role in maintaining well-being.
"Social connections help me feel better, going for a dog walk with a friend or playing soccer with my teammates," said another individual. Finding a balance between work and personal life is essential for many. "I try to optimize my work-life balance, so I have enough time, energy, and resources for both," one person noted.
Self-care is a deeply personal practice that encompasses a wide range of activities and habits. One person wisely summed it up: "Often my low moods are linked to poor sleep."
By prioritizing self-care in all its forms, we can all cultivate a sense of balance and well-being in our lives.
What resources or strategies help you take care of yourself?
A lot of people mentioned "fresh air" and "being outside" as resources for self-care.
"I utilize nature and arts to restore my health and wellness," said one respondent.
Another said that the following all contribute to their self-care: "Getting outside. Going to the community garden, the river, the farmers’ market, the pool, seeing all sorts of community members."
One staff member emphasized self-compassion by saying, "I allow myself grace if I don't exercise and don't eat well. No use beating myself up about it."
These strategies and resources help people take care of themselves and prioritize their well-being.
How do you take care of yourself?
The Canadian Mental Health Association has a free guide to self-care with activities to help you identify things you might like to do to take care of yourself.
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