by Pam Henshall, Executive Director
"Be sure to fit self-care into your day and take care of yourself."
"Let's take a moment to focus on relaxing and clearing our minds."
"Be sure to do something nice for yourself and rejuvenate."
Huh?
From the moment I joined WIT, these are some thoughtful sentiments and reminders I heard from the trainers, staff, and Board of Directors. I immediately thought I can't do that, I don't have time, and what does that mean anyway?
Self-care is not always easy, but it is worth it. When you invest in your health and well-being, the benefits will, in the long run, help you live a happier, healthier life. It enables you to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health. When you take care of yourself, you can better cope with stress, manage your emotions, and stay productive.
Some benefits of self-care are:
Improved physical health
Reduced stress and anxiety
Boosted self-esteem
Improved mental health
Increased efficiency
Caring for yourself gives you more energy and focus to get things done and improve overall productivity. Self-care is a necessary part of living a healthy and balanced life. By taking care of yourself, you are giving yourself the best chance to thrive.
When I realized the importance of self-care and accepted the suggestion to take a moment, pause, and refresh, I had clear thoughts and felt energized. It will take time for me to learn new habits, like many professionals on the go. However, it's never too late.
To quote WIT’s program director, Irene Lindsay Brantley, “You can’t give from an empty vessel.”
Enjoy the rest of your summer, and find your routine. If I can, everyone can!