“If you feel ‘burnout’ setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.”- Dalai Lama
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Maya Angelou
“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14 (ESV)
2020 brought isolation, heartache, loss, and change. It brought anxiety and depression into people who previously never had these feelings, and worsened it for those with these issues chronically. With all of these challenges, it also brought many awakenings and lessons. It forced people to look inward and to question the important things in life. It heightened the importance of self care. I don’t know how anyone would have survived (and continue to survive) this season without properly caring for their body, mind, and soul.
I had to remind myself many times that I cannot pour from an empty cup- meaning that I cannot help/care for others if I am not caring for myself. Here are a few things I have done and continue to do to care for myself in the year of the pandemic:
- I started to take acting classes and decided to pursue my passion professionally.- I met a lot of wonderful aspiring actors and have become friends with people all over the world.
- My husband and I started doing yoga together.
- Sticking to a scheduled workout routine.
- Healthy meal prepping.
- I recognized my long-time need for anxiety medication.
- I appreciate life’s little blessings: grocery shopping/cooking with my love, going out to eat, hugging my grandma, going to the movies, going to concerts, being physically present in community.
- Attend church virtually- the church is not a building, but the people in it.
- I switched from my day shift RN position into a Charge RN position on night shift- definitely the best career move so far.
- I started my voiceover business.- I now have a home studio, coach, and can professionally audition for voiceover jobs. I never would have pursued this without taking the time to truly recognize what I want to be when I grow up.
- USE MY TIME WISELY- This has been my motto for life. Always set goals, learn new things, read a good book, watch a tv show, exercise, call your friends/family, cuddle with your dog, sleep. Find things to do that are productive, soul-loving activities that are not simply scrolling social media.
Until next shift,
Shania