Managing Your Self-Care!

“Self-love is about self-care, making your health a priority.  Self-love is revealed in your willingness to stay focused on the things you say are important.  It’s about having the courage to set boundaries and protect them.” – Francine Ward

C.H.A.R.G.E. #024

Up to this point we have discussed the importance of self-care in the form of exercise, stress management, dietary habits, attending to your health needs, and proper amounts of water intake and sleep.  But self-care, in and of itself, is so much more.  According to WellCoaches, self-care, “… can include activities such as improving your physical surroundings, developing a practice that exercises your mind and your soul, or balancing your family, social, and work demands with time to unwind by spending time in nature, soaking in a hot bubble bath, watching a beautiful sunrise, or listening to your favorite music.”

Standing by boundaries that you set for yourself can go a long way in preserving your health.  Once you have established what is acceptable behavior and what is not, make sure those around you are aware of your boundaries.  Next, let them know what your expectations are with the boundaries you have set.  Finally, inform them of the consequences of their unacceptable behavior around you, and then follow through with those consequences.

Managing burnout is another way of taking care of yourself.  According to Herbert J. Freudenberger, PhD., “… burnout is a state of fatigue or frustration brought about by a devotion to a cause, a way of life, or a relationship that failed to produce the expected reward.” 

Several signs and symptoms include:

1. Tired, fatigued
2. Melancholy
3. Ambivalence
4. Lack of interest
5. Short term memory loss
6. Dreading the event
7. Health issues
8. Difficulty making decisions
9. Impatience
10. Not caring

Here are a few ways to prevent burnout:

1. Set and maintain boundaries
2. Follow your wellness program
3. Take time off
4. Continue learning
5. Have a support system

It may sound a bit selfish, but you can’t be a help to others when you haven’t taken care of yourself first.  What kind of motivator are you when it’s clear you are not practicing self-care?  I’m reminded of a flight attendant on an airplane when they instruct you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and then help your child with their mask.  You can’t help someone else if you are panicked and struggling for air.

C.H.A.R.G.E. Questions:  Where do you fall short on self-care?  What activities could you engage in to better your self-care?  What boundaries would you like to set?  Who would you like to inform of these boundaries?  What burnout symptoms do you experience?  What are some ways you could employ to prevent burnout?

* Information adapted from WellCoaches Manual, Lesson 12, 2006.

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