The Importance of Self Care

Have you been gettin’ your self care on?! I don't know about you, but I've seen this term thrown around a lot in the last 2 years. So, I took it upon myself to dig a little deeper. Is it face masks and bubble baths? Is it hiking and getting outdoors? Or is it mediating, painting, drawing, journaling, organizing, or becoming closer to God? Sure. No. Yes. Maybe. It’s actually all of this and then some. Self care differs from person to person. For me? Moving away from my hometown almost 4 years ago was step one. From that moment, I promised myself that I would learn and discover ME. What moves me. What brings me joy. What I value. And what I like and dislike. Because in my hometown, I felt like I was a product of my environment, molded and shaped by my family and friends into a version of myself that I wasn’t in love with. At 23 years old......

---

I was more concerned with the latest makeup trends and dating. I probably would have told you my hobbies were hanging out at the bar or eating chips and queso. And if there was chips and queso at the bar, ooh weee, let me tell you what, that was my jam. Don't get me wrong, I still get down with some chips and queso and you can catch me at the bar every now and then, but now I have balance. I have learned how to self reflect and take care of my soul. My mental, emotional, and physical health comes first. 
Fast forward to now. Even though I currently practice soul-work, I still fall into periods of time where I am so busy wrapped up in life that I forget to slow down and take care of my mental. Working in healthcare can do that to ya. Am I right? It is such a demanding career field. Rewarding, no doubt! But demanding in a sense of dealing with heavy emotions on top of an even heavier workload. Actually, I'm not quite sure which is heavier, but by the end of the week, we are not only drained physically but mentally and emotionally as well. What I have found that helps me is carving out a minimum of 10-15 minutes a day to take care of me; to listen to my inner voice and treat myself to things that will fill my cup. Because we can’t pour into our patients if our cup is empty. I think a few of you out there may also benefit from the practices that have helped me and that is why I created ‘30 Days of Self Care for Exhausted Healthcare Workers’. 
This journal walks you through a few meditation practices that will help you to quiet the outside world and focus on you. These are journaling pages that you can use to unload after a tough shift, or maybe speak into existence a great one. The journal also helps you figure out what brings you joy, and then reminds you to spend more time doing these things. 

If any of what I have gone through resonates with you, treat yourself to a journal and start prioritizing YOU. You deserve it. 

And if you liked the 30 day guide, keep a look out for a longer, more detailed journal coming out soon!

Written By: Chanel Williams, Travel Nurse & MedVenturist