On self-care in healthcare…

Self-care is not selfish. Let me explain why.

Self-care is a means to ensure that one gives from a place of abundance so that our work is sustainable long-term. When our physical, cognitive, emotive and social batteries are full, giving our time feels right, and we resonate positively with the work we do, making our passion meaningful.

People will inquire about the meaning of the word “batteries” in this reflection… I use it to illustrate our energy levels in terms of sustaining work (physical), attention (cognitive), empathy (emotions) and meaningful relationships (social). When we care about maintaining healthy levels of these types of energy, we tend to be globally healthy.

Somedays, we can be physically, cognitively, emotionally or socially drained. It is easy to understand the first three, but what about social drain? What does that mean? Let me clarify by a question… Have you ever neglected some of your meaningful relationships for the benefit of being at work and serving others? If the answer is yes, you understand the idea of the social drain.

Too often, in our profession, one drains away an almost empty battery to fulfill a sense of duty and care for others. We too often forget that the first person that needs our care is “I.” When repeated, this pattern gradually erodes our relationship to work. Eventually, the passion dries up. Eventually, people burn out.

What is the solution to get back our balance, and what is the ultimate key to self-care?

My personal answer to this dilemma is simple, I have learned to say “No” more often. I have also learned to take time off and enjoy this beautiful but short and fragile life that is offered to us, like a gift.

I have worked on the art of disappointing gently for my sake and for those I love.

Our work is essential, but preserving our physical, mental, emotional and social health sometimes requires moving part of our attention away from caring for others to invest it in caring for ourselves and our families.

Thank you.