"Self care is not going to cure burnout"

"Self care is not going to cure burnout"

 

That great quote in the title is from a virtual workshop I attended to help people all over the world in my career field focus on themselves before getting to the point of being burned out.  It was a reminder that doing that "one thing" at one time alone will not "fix you."  We have to implement daily self-care routines. 

The WHO's (World Health Organization) 1998 definition of self-care is as follows; "Self-Care is what people do for themselves to establish and maintain health, and to prevent and deal with illness. It is a broad concept encompassing hygiene (general and personal), nutrition (type and quality of food eaten), lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure, etc.), environmental factors (living conditions, social habits, etc.), socio-economic factors (income level, cultural beliefs, etc.) and self-medication."   The seven pillars to implementing self-care are listed below:
  1. Health literacy – includes: the capacity of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions
  2. Mental Wellbeing – includes: knowing your body mass index (BMI), cholesterol level, and blood pressure; engaging in health screening.
  3. Physical activity – practicing moderate-intensity physical activity such as walking, cycling, or participating in sports at a desirable frequency.
  4. Healthy eating – includes: having a nutritious, balanced diet with appropriate levels of calorie intake.
  5. Risk avoidance or mitigation – includes: quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol use, getting vaccinated, practicing safe sex, and using sunscreens.
  6. Good hygiene – includes: washing hands regularly, brushing teeth, and washing food.
  7. Rational and responsible use of products, services, diagnostics, and medicines – includes: being aware of dangers and using responsibly when necessary.

Throughout my journey, I've realized I was using food to ease the stress of a bad day 🍟(#4).  As the depression worsened, I did not want to get out of bed, let alone do any physical activity (#3), even though family and friends urged me to "get up and out into the sun☀️. " 😒 I was not having it.  I was gaining weight and did not care (#2). 

Years ago, I used to have "self-care Saturdays" before it was a hashtag🥴 .  I took time to pamper myself, soaked in the tub, exfoliated, and rubbed myself down in some "smell good" lotion 😂.  I had an entire spa day; giving myself a facial, steam, mask, manicure, and pedicure.  I always felt relaxed and at peace, letting go of the previous week and preparing for the week ahead!  I had weekly massage appointments and enjoyed regular dinners out with friends.  I don't know when I stopped doing these activities for myself😕 , but over time, I just didn't want to do anything with anyone.  

I've been working on returning to that version of me who had a routine of taking time for ME to relax, unwind, and protecting my peace.

When we don't feel well, we practice self-care by reaching for a remedy to help what ails us.  Be it a cup of hot tea with honey for a sore throat, lying down with a cold compress, or taking pain medication for a headache, whatever it is, that is practicing self-care in that moment.  Having a self-care daily routine can help ease triggers that may cause emotional or physical distress before they lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, or stress.  Start with deep breathing exercises like the video above.

I'm a massive proponent of Aromatherapy, Psychotherapy, and medication if needed.  My hope for others is that they realize many resources are available and there is no shame in seeking help.    BFFs are incredible and a true blessing💞 , but sometimes, there may be issues that a professional therapist should address.  "Venting" can often lead to pent-up stress, anger, and frustration; you think you've let something go but haven't.  Remember, "self-care alone is not going to cure burnout."

One may not consider using a therapist's assistance when their rationale is that venting with a trusted friend and a glass of wine will help 🤷🏽.  But look at it this way: having a therapist as part of your healthcare team is like having insurance.  You hope you don't need to use it, but so thankful to know it's there if you need it.  What's that?  You don't have time for therapy😕?  Therapy sessions don't have to be weekly; if you're reading this, you might think it might not hurt to run some things by a therapist sometimes, and you'd be right!  You could have monthly or bi-monthly sessions with a therapist or schedule as needed while continuing to take time for your daily/weekly self-care sessions.  It takes a conscious effort to keep the outside "outside," be it work, relationships, or the daily news.

What practices can you begin to help you "relax, relate, release?"

#ADifferentWord #35thanniversary

#theoandbren #aromatherapy #deepbreathing #meditation #yoga #personalaromatherapynasalinhalers 

 

"Be good to YOU!"

❤️

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