By the Department of Psychiatry’s wellness advocate, Dr. Deirdre Conroy:
We so often hear the term “self-care.” They say that self-care is one of the keys to avoiding burnout, but, what is self-care? Do I need to start having my nails done? Do I need to sit cross legged on the floor while saying “ohm”?
Not necessarily. Self-care can take many forms. It’s all about what makes you feel less… well, exhausted, disengaged, apathetic for starters. It can vary from care directed towards one’s self to care directed towards others. In Emily and Amelia Nagoski’s book Burnout they discuss “leaning on” rather than “leaning in” as a way to highlight the importance of taking care of each other as a way of self-care. They feel that wellness cannot be a goal or a destination or a state of being. On a recent episode of Brene Brown’s Podcast Unlocking Us, they say “it is a state of action, it’s the freedom to oscillate. There is no gold at the end of the rainbow. The rainbow is the gold.”
Perhaps, in addition to being kind and caring to ourselves, another way we can engage in self–care is to give to others. The science of giving as a path to happiness is well established. A big thanks to our amazing Department of Psychiatry Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Outreach Work Group, as they have compiled a list of ways you can help your local community. Take a look at the list and Give the Gift of Giving!
