Summertime in education (but not the good kind where you get summer off) presents many opportunities during the break. Although the campus might be quieter during these months, it also poses a challenge in deciding how best to use our time. Should we rest and recuperate from the academic year’s demands, or should we plan and strategize for the year ahead? What about the tasks or goals that must get done?
Other Posts in This Series: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Self-care has become a buzzword often associated with activities like bubble baths or using essential oils. While these can be part of a self-care routine, truly taking care of yourself goes beyond superficial practices. It encompasses a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. In this post, I’ll share some of the strategies that I try to do to make sure I’m fully taking care of myself.
I learned early on that true self-care is about more than just pampering yourself. It involves making choices that support your overall health and well-being. This means taking care of your body, mind, emotions, and social connections. According to the World Health Organization, self-care is “the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider.”
Physical Self-Care
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial for maintaining your health…and can sometimes be a challenge if you’re at all like me. The way I attempt to navigate this is by choosing just one meal a week where I opt for a fully balanced meal with the suggested fruit and veggie . I usually end up with a few more than that, but by setting a very achievable goal, it’s easy to hit it. Drinking plenty of water is equally important. I’ve always been told you should aim for 8 cups of water a day. I’m not a healthcare expert, so I don’t know how true that is, but I can tell you I’m always reminding myself to drink more. Others in my office feel the same way, so we purchased a variety of flavor packets and enjoy comparing who can create the best flavor combinations.
Mental and Emotional Self-Care
Mindfulness and meditation can help reduce stress and improve mental clarity. As a way to promote self-care, my institution offers regular training on incorporating mindfulness into office norms, standing meetings, and the classroom setting. These techniques range from deep breathing and muscle relaxation to guided imagery, and they have proven to be beneficial. If you find yourself needing more in-depth or personalized support, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable support and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression…and sometimes just give us a private space to vent about all the things that made our job difficult that week.
Social Self-Care
Having a supportive social network is crucial for your well-being. Spend time with friends and family who uplift and support you. Make an effort to nurture these relationships through regular communication and shared activities. With any great relationship also comes the need to sometimes set boundaries. Learning to set and maintain boundaries is essential for protecting your mental and emotional health. Recognize your limits and communicate them clearly to others.
Find What Works for You
Incorporate self-care into your daily life through small, actionable steps. It can be as simple as taking a 10-minute walk during your lunch break, practicing gratitude each morning, or spending a few minutes stretching before bed. Remember that self-care is not one-size-fits-all. Experiment with different activities and routines to find what works best for you. Listen to your body and mind, and adjust your self-care practices as needed to fit your needs. True self-care involves taking care of your physical, mental, emotional, and social health. If you can get into a self-care rhythm now, hopefully it will allow you to have an easier academic year.
