In a world in which we’re inundated with a constant barrage of news and unprecedented events, caring for oneself has never been more important. From simple, rejuvenating activities to thoughtful practices that nurture the body and mind, there are countless ways to look after yourself and prioritize your well-being—you need only choose your favorites.
In recognition of today (July 24) being International Self-Care Day, The Daily tapped into the expertise of three University Health and Counseling Services staff members at Case Western Reserve University to glean their self-care insights.
Read on to learn what each of them suggests on how to incorporate self-care into your daily life.
Melissa Borowski
Senior Director of Operations
During the summer, one of my favorite things to do for self-care is gardening! I have a large garden that I could spend hours in; I call it my happy place! I love the idea of growing nutritious food for my family and “digging in the dirt” is my own form of stress relief. My other favorite self-care is reading, it allows me to relax and escape the day. What’s my favorite genre? Romance of course!
Self-care tips:
- Do something to be active each day, even if it’s for five minutes. Talk a walk, do a little dance, stand and stretch.
- Take time away from social media and news—this can be draining emotionally!
- Don’t forget to take care of your mental health along with your physical health.
- Find a hobby that makes you happy and connects you with people who enjoy what you do!
Mary Halm
Health and Well-being Outreach Manager
For me, self-care is making sure I make time to crochet at least once a day for 20-30 minutes. This is a craft I picked up during the pandemic and never put down. It can be both mindless and challenging depending on the project. I love that I am able to turn a ball of yarn into something like a blanket, a stuffed animal, or clothes. Crocheting really calms me.
Self-care tips:
- Make time for things you enjoy.
- Try something new to find what you like, maybe try new things with friends, or introduce them to things you enjoy to share the experience.
Kendra Strother
RN Clinic Manager
Self-care for me means being mindful of my feelings and assessing my well-being. If my care-o-meter is low, I take action. A quick way to boost my mood is by turning up some music and connecting with my heartbeat and mind. Closing my eyes and flowing with the rhythm of the music can be very therapeutic, and I often choreograph a full sequence in my head to the song that’s playing. Many times, I pause to reflect on what’s happening around me that led me to choose that particular song and journal about those emotions or feelings. Additionally, I set timers for water breaks because I tend to forget to hydrate when life begins “life-ing.”
Self-care tips:
- Hydration is your friend! Water yourself frequently through the day so you can thrive, glow and grow!
- Show yourself grace and gratitude—journal a few things that you are grateful for. At the end of the day, reflect and write down three things that went well today.
- PAUSE! Take inventory of how you feel in the moment…. focus on your breathing. Relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw…. be present in the moment and take a quick reset.
- ROCK OUT! Turn some music on and dance like no one is watching! (Even if they are, they may learn a new move or two!)