I love giving to other people. Love it all day, every day. As a chronic giver, I learned the hard way many years ago that I have to learn to give to myself. We can best support others when we are well supported. Caring for others and oneself is holistic; it’s a complete circle of giving and receiving. In this season of busyness, it’s a gift to ensure that you are filled and getting nourished in the ways you need.
So what does self-care look like for you, right now? Yeah, I know the holiday season is nuts. All the more reason to ask: When will there be time for you?
Recently, I was invited to facilitate a 3-day retreat for people working to prevent climate change—activists, philanthropists, conservationists, and people working in sustainable food systems and regenerative agriculture. You can understand that now, more than ever, they are overworked and exhausted. This retreat was designed to help them regenerate and to take a wide lens on self-care. We covered many facets of self-care, in and outside of work. This is an extraordinarily valuable inquiry and invitation for all of us, and I wanted to share some gems with you.
The Many Facets of Self-Care
At different times, we are depleted in different ways. To replenish, we need the antidote to whatever has depleted us. For example, when an introvert has socialized too much, they need quiet time. Or, when we haven’t had enough nourishing time with loved ones, then the antidote is luscious time with them. To inspire possibilities, here are different facets and elements of self-care. What do you need most right now?
Physical self-care: A hike, massage, a long run, a trip to the spa, time at the beach, an appointment with a chiropractor or other practitioner, a nap, a good night’s sleep, etc.
Creative self-care: Painting, a trip to a museum, taking photos, going to a concert, re-decorating a room, playing a musical instrument, writing, woodworking, etc.
Social self-care: Going out or hosting in, but wherever you are, having a meaningful, fulfilling time with people you enjoy.
Spiritual self-care: It might be attending a service, meditating, going on a retreat, or being in nature.
Dreaming self-care: Have you given yourself time to vision recently? Listening to your soul, dreaming, and imagining can be fulfilling and nourishing.
Joy, Magic, and/or Beauty self-care: Have you had your quantity of joy lately? What gives you joy? What evokes magic for you? What makes you stop in awe as you see the miracle of life and beauty? What makes you celebrate beauty?
Adventure self-care: Explore new horizons, get out of your habits, see something new. Adventures might be across the world, but we can also craft great adventures not far from home.
The Many Facets of Self-Care at Work
Self-care at work can have a huge impact on both your mood and capacity, and it doesn’t necessarily have to take a lot of time. It can happen in small and large ways. What’s the antidote you need? What stands out on this list? What else are you craving?
- Take a walk, exercise, or dance break
- Master your calendar and time management
- Re-clarify and execute your priorities
- Have lunch or coffee with colleagues to either not talk about work or talk about work differently
- Enjoy delicious, nutritious lunches and snacks
- Clean or redecorate your office
- Craft spacious, creative time for yearly planning, visioning, goal setting, or dreaming big
- Write out your accomplishments from the last quarter or year
- Celebrate milestones with your team or colleagues.
Why Invest in Self-Care?
It doesn’t just feel good, it’s necessary for us to be our best and full selves. I never write these articles when I’m overwhelmed and tired. I can’t. My well is dry. I write these articles after I’ve had some nourishing self-care of one or more of the flavors above.
Sometimes, when my clients are struggling to create, problem-solve, vision, or strategize, what they need first is self-care. Then they can revisit the challenge ahead of them with energy and clear sight.
You Can Find a Way To Do It
Time is often our most precious commodity. Sometimes self-care doesn’t require a lot of time, sometimes it does. Making it happen may require some creative and thoughtful planning, calling in a few favors or a babysitter, or moving some things on your calendar. When at first I can’t see a way to do something, I follow this protocol:
- Say YES to the desire (in this case, the desire for self-care)
- Get curious about how it might happen
- Invite solutions from your own wisdom and others.
Most of the time, the solution shows up. So, start by saying Yes to whatever you need most to be fully you.
As always, if you know someone who could benefit, please forward this to them!
If you need more attuned 1:1 support, schedule a session. New clients can start with a 30-min free intro session. I look forward to connecting with you.