When I returned from vacation recently, I was prompted to ponder the question, ‘How do you practice self-care?’ This reflection couldn’t have come at a more poignant moment, coinciding with significant changes at VMware, a company I’ve grown with over the years. The recent layoffs brought a whirlwind of emotions — sadness for departing colleagues, guilt for staying, and grief for the changes unfolding. It’s moments like these that remind me of C.S. Lewis’s words: ‘No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear.’
During such turbulent times, prioritizing self-care becomes not just important but crucial. Yet, it’s something we often neglect in our daily hustle to meet internal and external demands. For me, maintaining regular habits like massage sessions and spending time outdoors with my dogs has been essential for over a decade. These practices provide solace and help me process the challenges of work and life.
Self-care isn’t just about rejuvenating ourselves; it’s about honoring our own needs amidst the demands of work, family, and sleep. It’s a deliberate choice to nurture our mental and emotional well-being, especially during times of upheaval.
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let’s remember to prioritize our own well-being alongside our responsibilities. How do you practice self-care in your own life? Share your thoughts below; I’d love to hear your experiences.
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