Engaging in Self-Care

It seems that everyday, we are inundated with tragic or disturbing news. The intensity continues to grow. We carry so much stress and anxiety from our own lived experiences it is important to build self-care into our daily habits. Here is a compiled list of resources collected by MacPhail’s Sr. Director of DEI using materials derived from fellow Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practitioners engaging in the self-care area.

Self-Care is…

• Refueling ourselves so we can continue our work
• Drawing boundaries so we can stay whole
• Pausing to take a breath so we do not collapse
• Acknowledging that we are running a marathon, not a sprint
• Being vulnerable and honest with ourselves so we can allow others to be vulnerable
• Knowing ourselves intimately
• Honoring our struggles and celebrating our being
• Choosing to value ourselves when it feels like no one else is
• Creating space for ourselves so we can create space for others
• Loving ourselves so we can continue to love others
• Healing ourselves so we can heal others
• Giving ourselves permission to feel and pursue joy
• Knowing we are enough. Always.

Self-care should be an ongoing practice to be effective. It is important to acknowledge that self-care is closely tied to power and privilege. Historically marginalized people have different self-care needs than privileged people and go through life experiencing a much higher level of stress and anxiety than their white, hetero, cis, able-bodied counterparts.

So how can you practice self-care?

• Know when you need self-care. Sometimes when we realize we need self-care, it is when we are already exhausted and beat up. Knowing when you need to turn inward and prioritize yourself is key to practicing self-care.
• Make a list of your self-care options. It is your “self-care toolkit.” Creating a list of options readily available is hugely helpful because when you really need self-care, you may not have the capacity to think about what you need.
• Commit to practicing self-care. Once you have decided on a few options, commit to doing them. If you have some time off, use it! Text a friend, “I’m going to go for a walk tomorrow morning, want to come?”

Be gracious with yourself; take breaks and seek support as you need.

For a self-care tool to use throughout your day, check out this post that includes MacPhail music therapist Mark Burnett’s compositions for relaxation.

Visit our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion webpage to learn more about MacPhail’s commitment.