The necessity of self care
When we are called to do hard things, we as human beings rarely take the time to care for our own selves. We convince ourselves that taking time to care for our own needs is selfish… and while this may be true, it is only partly true.
When we are really caring for ourselves— meaning showing concern for oneself— it is completely untrue that it demonstrates a lack of concern for others. When we express concern for ourselves, nourish our needs, and set boundaries for ourselves, if is far from selfish.
As TJ likes to say, “You’re no good to me dead. Take the time to get back in healthy place.”
Self care is important to carrying on in these trying times. It seems quite unreasonable to ask our cars to safely and reliably take us where we need to be if there is no gas in the tank, the oil is never changed, or the brake pads are completely worn. Why do we expect our own bodies and minds to run on no gas or maintenance? Self care is essential to our being the best we can possibly be.
According a study by the International Center for Self Care Research, health care professionals invest only 10 hours a year on self-care. That equates to less than .001% of their time, and we count on them to always be at the top of their game!
The benefits of self care are many: mental acuity, increased well-being, and reduced morbidity and mortality, to name just a few. Taking time for self care is not a luxury— it is a necessity! We need to fill our emotional, social, and physical tanks. It is akin to regular maintenance and putting gas in our cars— with benefits far outreaching the time and energy investments.
Self care and rest are not idleness. To find oneself lying on the grass under a tree on a summer’s day and listening to the songs of birds and nature, the trickle and splash of water from a nearby stream, and watching the clouds through a canopy of trees as they dance effortlessly across the setting sun’s summer sky is by no means selfish or a waste of time.
It is indeed the balm of the soul and the reinvigorating of one’s being. I think I will go lie under a tree. What will you do today to take care of yourself?
Join me as I wander to where the internet is weak to build and strengthen connection, both with ourselves and with those around us.
