Reflections on Self-care and REST
Our society is built around a mentally, emotionally, and physically unhealthy premise that we need to be working, hustling, and grinding in order to live. That we only deserve to rest when our jobs are completed. But whose subjective opinion determines when the work is done?
On Monday, North America experienced another solar eclipse, with some locations experiencing 100% blackout. This scientific marvel was fascinating and a rare sight, to be sure. The excitement around viewing the eclipse was palpable in almost all social circles I encountered. But in the United States, in the lead up and the aftermath, discussions of lost worker productivity took shape once again. One headline, repeated from 2017, read “Solar Eclipse Will Cost America Almost $700 Million in Lost Productivity.” Capitalism and corporate greed have a stranglehold on our society.
Many of my family, friends, and colleagues have settled into this hustle-and-grind culture. Some were even appalled that I dared to allow my son a gap year from school and from working to truly recover from years of loss; the loss of “normal” high school years to the COVID-19 pandemic, the loss of his grandfather, the loss of his childhood to adulthood. What I can tell you is that he has grown more emotionally and mentally in this past year than the past four combined, and he is excited to leave for college in a few months.
Over the past two years, I have been working with clients and colleagues about how much they have going on with work. I’ve had countless conversations about taking time to rest and about making sure to listen to the body. I have incorporated Tricia Hersey’s philosophies from her book, Rest is Resistance, and I continue to learn more via the #NapMinistry. In fact, I received my “Rest Deck” this week and have begun incorporating those practices into my life and work.
To be clear, my aversion to hustle-and-grind culture is a work in progress. As much as I coach others and snatch wigs when I hear about too much on their plates, I have to snatch my own wig sometimes as well. Practicing self-care is a choice and one we have to be intentional about every day. It's easy to lose sight of ourselves. I've been there. Balancing work, family, and personal goals can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope without a safety net.
Let’s face it: life can be overwhelming at times and it’s easy to feel like we’re constantly running on empty. But here’s the deal: we can’t pour from an empty cup. We owe it to ourselves - and those around us - to prioritize self-care.
So, what exactly is self-care? Well, it's not just about treating yourself to a spa day or indulging in your favorite dessert (although those things can be nice, too!). Self-care is about nurturing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being on a consistent basis. It's about making choices that prioritize your health and happiness, even when life gets chaotic.
For me, self-care starts with setting boundaries. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with demands and distractions, saying "no" can feel like a revolutionary act. But here's the thing: saying "no" to things that drain your energy or don't align with your values is actually an act of self-preservation. It's about reclaiming your time and energy for the things that truly matter.
Self-care is also about mindfulness. Taking a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself can work wonders for your overall well-being. Whether it's through meditation, journaling, or simply going for a walk in nature, finding moments of stillness in our busy lives is essential for staying grounded and centered.
And let's not forget about the importance of self-compassion. We're often our own harshest critics, but learning to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding can be transformative. So, the next time you make a mistake or fall short of your own expectations, remember to cut yourself some slack. You're only human, after all.
Of course, self-care looks different for everyone, so it's essential to find what works best for you. Whether it's practicing yoga, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing a creative hobby, the key is to prioritize activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But I don’t have time for self-care!” Trust me, I get it. Life can be hectic, and carving out time for ourselves can feel like an impossible task. But the truth is, self-care isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. By taking the time to nurture our well-being, we become better equipped to handle life’s challenges and show up as our authentic selves in every area of our lives.
So, I urge you to make self-care, AND REST, non-negotiable parts of your routine. Whether it’s a daily meditation practice, a weekly yoga class, a walk to marvel at nature around you, or simply taking a few moments each day to check in with yourself, prioritize your well-being. You deserve it. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
