The importance of self-care

According to PsychCentral , self-care is defined as “any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health”. It is important for all of us to look after our own needs, mentally and physically, as they go hand-in-hand. In stressful times, reminders for yourself to practice healthy living can be a source of energy and well-being.

For healthcare professionals

As healthcare professionals, your well-being is especially important to maintain, as it is your hard work and resilience that is helping patients. There is heightened awareness and anxiety regarding COVID-19, and the demands of your job are taxing.

In jobs that strain us physically, mentally, and emotionally, it can be difficult to recognize that we need our own care – and make time to nurture ourselves.

For caregivers

It can be hard to focus on your own needs when you are caring for a hospice patient. If you share caregiving duties, the stress of caregiving may create tensions among family and friends, even as you pull together to care for your loved one.

It is normal to feel stressed, overwhelmed, or emotional; by identifying your needs and spending time on your care, you are not being selfish.

Self-care activities

An effective analogy to remind ourselves of is, “you can’t fill from an empty cup.” We want to help you take care of yourselves as you take care of others. Whether you are a community member, healthcare professional or a caregiver, we know your time is of the essence, and it is limited. With the time you can set aside, here are some self-care activities and ideas you can participate in.

1 – 3 Minutes

Up to 5 Minutes

  • Give yourself a back massage, guided by our Massage Therapist
  • Read this poem, ‘Continue’ by Maya Angelo (adapted by Montgomery Hospice & Prince George’s Hospice Spiritual Counseling Department)
  • Listen to a favorite song (Read our blogpost on ‘Music and Self-Care’)
  • Journal with a few 5-minute prompts, such as:
    • 3 things you are grateful for
    • An object that is important to you
    • A time that you laughed
    • A place where you feel peace
    • A favorite photograph
  • Follow a Guided Meditation by our Touch Therapies Manager
  • Make one of these Two Quick and Simple Calm Boosting Breakfast or Snack Recipes, by Xonna M. Clark LLC

Up to 10 Minutes

Up to 30 Minutes

  • Journal with a couple of longer prompts, such as:
    • A person you are thinking of
    • A recent or long-term dream
    • Worries currently on your mind
  • Take a nap
  • Meditation: RAIN of Self-Compassion, by Tara Brach
  • A relaxing bath, with a book and bath salts

Up to 1 Hour

  • Indoor or Outdoor Gardening
  • Watch one of our Building Workplace Wellness webinars
  • Listen to an episode of our podcast, What’s Important to You?
  • If you’re an instrument player – learn a new song (Read our blogpost on ‘Music and Self-Care’)

Taking care of yourself is hard but important. We are here to support you and your loved ones in ways that respect your beliefs, values and personal needs. For more resources, please visit our Care for the Caregiver page. If you would like to talk, if you would like reassurance, or if you need support from our professionals or volunteers to give you a break from caregiving, please call us at 301 921 4400.

Resources:

– PsychCentral – What Self Care is and What It Isn’t
– Tara Brach – Brief Meditation: Arriving in Mindful Presence
– Ted Talk series: The Importance of Self Care
– Tara Brach – Meditation: RAIN on Self-Compassion
World Health Organization (WHO): Tips for Self Care
John’s Hopkin’s University Hub article: “Practicing Social Distancing? Here’s How to Prioritize Self-Care”
Psychology Today: Practicing Healthcare in the Face of the Coronavirus