When we became aware that World Wellbeing Week was coming up some of the Links Therapy Family started to reflect on what wellbeing means to us.
The Importance of Self-Care When Caring for Others
They say you can’t pour from an empty cup, and you should put your own oxygen mask on before helping others. In other words, for us to effectively take care of others, we must first take care of ourselves. But why do many of us feel so guilty about taking some time to recharge our batteries?
When we see our friends and colleagues struggling, we would probably encourage them to take a break, rest, and take some time for themselves. Yet, when it comes to our own needs, many of us struggle to allow ourselves the same compassion. Why might this be?
- An underlying feeling that being constantly busy and productive is a sign of success and your worth as a person? This pressure can make it hard to prioritize rest.
- Feeling guilty about taking time for themselves, worrying that it might be seen as selfish or lazy.
- In our fast-paced world, taking a break can feel like falling behind. The fear of missing out or not keeping up with responsibilities can prevent us from taking necessary rest.
Caring for others can be particularly demanding. It requires significant emotional, physical, and mental effort. High levels of stress and burnout associated with caregiving roles can take a heavy toll on caregivers – this makes self-care even more crucial. I am privileged to meet lots of inspiring people as I go about my week – no two weeks the same. I meet parents who are hanging in there caring for their children whatever it takes and regardless of the significant toll it takes on them. I meet teaching staff working so hard to give the young people in their care a positive school experience, making the most of scarce resources and changing goal posts and pressures of Ofsted. I meet support workers striving to help the people they support live fulfilling and meaningful lives. I meet Therapists standing up for what they believe is right and fighting to make sure the people in their care get the services and support they need.
For me feeling a sense of belonging and connecting with others is crucial for my own self care. Being part of a community, whether it’s a professional team, a group of friends, or a supportive family, can provide the support and connection we need to thrive. Being able to share a cuppa and chat with a friend or colleague can make such a difference – helps put things in perspective, we can bolster each other up, cheer each other on or have a good moan and move on.
As an Occupational Therapist and would be craft enthusiast I know all the theory about the benefits of hobby activities and the importance of work, rest and play and when I allow myself time to do something like paint a pebble, do some sewing or play my violin I feel so much better, I give my brain a different workout and usually find that rather than falling behind I can focus better and get things done more effectively. Self-care is a fundamental aspect of wellbeing that we might overlook or not feel able to prioritise for so many reasons. However, to take care of others effectively, especially those with complex needs, we must prioritize our own health and wellbeing. By doing so, we can pour from a fuller cup, offering the best version of ourselves to those around us. So I would urge you in the words of the late Dr Michael Mosley to do “just one thing” whatever that is to prioritise a bit of self care.
