13 Sep Self-Care: Understanding Why You Matter

“If we don’t care for ourselves then we will not be fully there for others” 

Does this statement resonate for you? Did you know that July 24, 2017 was International Self-Care Day?

In a Ministerial Statement From Health Canada, The Honourable Jane Philpott wrote:

“Today is International Self-Care Day, and I’d like to recognize the important role self-care plays
in Canadians’ lives. It consists of the little and big things we do every day to take care of
ourselves like eating well, exercising, getting enough rest and spending time with loved ones.
When someone decides to aim for a healthy diet, goes for a walk at lunch-time or simply puts
on sunscreen, they engage in self-care… “

Suppose you asked yourself, how would it bring out the best in me if I saw myself as well cared
for?

Consider these Ten Ideas for Self-Care:

• Exercise/fitness
• Healthy Eating
• Sleep hygiene
• Relaxation/mindfulness
• Relationships and social engagement
• Spirituality
• Hobbies and recreational activities like reading
• Appreciating nature
• Listening to music and other arts activities
• Travel

Which self–care activities drive you and what are blockers?
Which of these ideas will you prioritize?
How did you come to choose this priority action?
Whether at home or work, accessing your own social support networks including friends, family
and colleagues is an important factor to promote your well–being. The relational focus is key!
Building your own adaptive coping skills and inner strengths and engaging in healthy lifestyle
practices will also help you move toward greater self-caring

What one change can you make today that will address your work– life balance and ultimately
your self-care? In the words of Michelle Obama, “We need to do a better job of putting ourselves higher on our
own ‘to-do’ list.”

Next time you’re asked to do something and you’re feeling stretched, you have personal choice
and one way of looking at this is the Four D’s of time management: (adapted from Peternelj-
Taylor C, The Elusive Pursuit of Work-Life Balance, 2017)

You can do it,
You can delegate it,
You can defer it or
You can ditch it!

With care,
Susan and Renee