In recent years you may have noticed a boom in the usage of the term “self care, the umbrella term for anything an individual does to maintain their physical, emotional and spiritual health.” It may seem as if this term is a new and trendy buzzword and that taking care of yourself is pretty rudimentary and self explanatory. Unfortunately, taking care of ourselves is extremely difficult when considering some of the challenges that we face on a day to day basis. Some barriers to self care may include:
- the mindlessness of daily routines in which we are driven by autopilot
- yielding to others needs before our own
- avoiding specific tasks that lead to the rationalization of why you just don’t have the time
Your student may be facing some of these barriers as well. This week, I challenge you to consider the benefit of self care not only for your personal wellbeing but for the wellbeing of your AHS student. “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” If your physical, emotional and spiritual health are depleted, are you really showing up for life to the best of your ability? By prioritizing effective health and wellness behaviors, your student will see that you are making it a point to take care of yourself and are more likely to follow suit. Talk to your student about self-care, start that mindfulness practice, dance around the house to your favorite music and find what feels nourishing to your soul.
Kiara Thomas, Wellness Intake Specialist
