Before we dig into the idea of #SelfCareSA, I would be remiss to not share the inspiration for the title of this post. Enjoy.
If the student affairs unofficial word of the year over the past few years has been authenticity, inclusion, and grit, then the phrase of the decade is “self-care.” Yes, they all sound cliche at this point. But we repeated them so often for a reason. They are important.
Actually, I’d argue that we would never possess authenticity, inclusion, or grit if we never practiced the cliche of self-care. Anyone who has gotten sick from lack of sleep, or started to feel creeping apathy in their work, knows the importance of finding time for yourself.
Maybe your unique self-care is reading books in Latin. I won’t judge you
Self-care can range from watching an episode on Netflix while you eat dinner, to taking a week-long vacation. I don’t think it matters how much time you take for yourself, or what you do. It just matters that you never, ever forget self care. I’ve personally found that the very thing I once thought was self-care was burning me out. Sometimes, what your mind and body really need is peace and quiet.
This month, we will focus the #SelfCareSA series on unique self-care practices that professionals of all walks in student affairs participate in. I say unique because I don’t want this to be another conversation about the cliche. Let’s explore specific, fun examples, instead of simply lecturing on why we all SHOULD be taking care of ourselves.
I hope you join in our conversation and find your own unique way to decompress and refresh.
