While staring at my computer monitor and waiting for my therapist to join our telehealth session, I noticed the urge to distract myself by opening Instagram. Instead, I took a few deep breaths and allowed myself to be still, noticing my nervous system calming down, and I was grateful for that moment of peace.
When my therapist joined, I shared this experience, and we reflected on how it’s common for our nervous systems to be chronically activated when we experience stress, constantly looking for something to engage with. It was counterintuitive for me to sit still and do nothing at that moment, but I had a sense of relief, and I’m glad I gave myself the space to breathe.
Like many people, I’ve been busy lately. I’ve fallen behind on my bi-weekly blog because I’m working with a team of software developers to create a new and improved version of the Life Ideals Self-Care Needs Assessment. I’m excited to share it soon, but I’m still deep in writing the result reports.
The new Life Ideals Self-Care Needs Assessment will identify strengths and areas for improvement across six self-care practices: Relaxation, Thought Restructuring, Social Connection, Sleep, Physical Activity, and Nutrition. Based on your survey results, the report will provide insights into how your strengths can help you develop in areas where you might struggle. There are 30 different report combinations for the six practices, and while I love getting into the flow of research and writing, it’s a time-consuming process.
Last week, I faced some irony. My friend Sarah couldn’t join me for our usual hike, so I started my workday early and spent six hours writing about the benefits of physical activity—without getting any exercise myself. The next day, I skipped meals while working on the nutrition section. It’s a reminder that even though we know what we need to do for our well-being, we still might not act on it.
Does this ever happen to you? Do you find yourself scrolling on your phone while waiting for something or working non-stop without caring for your needs?
Many of us have been conditioned to prioritize the needs of others over our own, often rooted in societal expectations, cultural norms, or familial roles. While caring for others can be valuable, constantly neglecting our needs leads to burnout, stress, and diminished well-being. This behavior not only impacts our health as individuals but can also strain relationships and community dynamics. Sustainable well-being requires balance—caring for ourselves ensures we have the energy and emotional resilience to contribute meaningfully to others and our community. That’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about developing the Self-Care Needs Assessment—it helps identify what we need to focus on for our self-care.
Stay tuned for the new version of Life Ideals, and in the meantime, remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
If you feel like your cup is running empty, it’s time to focus on filling it back up. The Life Ideals online course can help you prioritize your self-care and well-being. Get started here. You deserve it!
