How often do you think about #SelfCare? We all need a reminder to focus more on ourselves, and we’re not just talking about taking time off or going on a weekend trip. Self care should be practiced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This #InternationalSelfCareDay, Danielle Hawkes Donnelly shares some of the self care activities she enjoys and how they contribute to her overall wellness. #WhyWeWork
Starting my career in New York City in the early 2000s, “work hard, play hard,” were the words to live by and self-care was the furthest thing from my mind. Thankfully the world has changed immeasurably since then and we have days like #InternationalSelfCareDay to recognize that self-care can be practiced 24/7. While this is a lofty goal, it’s an important message in a world where taking care of ourselves is often at the bottom of our to-do list or not even on our radar. Self-care has taken on numerous definitions in recent years, from relaxing with a glass of wine watching reality TV to dedicating entire vacation weeks to bespoke wellness retreats designed to reset our mind, body and spirit. While I don’t object to either of these examples, I believe that self-care truly comes down to giving our minds and bodies what they need to support us in our relationships, work and the other activities that get us out of bed every day. For me, that means getting enough sleep, spending time in nature, being conscious of the food and drinks I’m putting into my body and how they affect me mentally and physically, and finding time for movement (hiking, biking, yoga and dancing) that relieves stress by bringing me some peace, joy and freedom. In my work at Golin Health I’m constantly reminded of the integral role that self-care can have in managing our physical and mental health. While self-care isn’t a cure for disease, the impact that caring for ourselves can have on our physical and mental well-being is real and significant. As healthcare communicators we’re empowered to help people navigating uncharted waters in living with all types of conditions to understand this connection and how self-care can help support patients and caregivers. #WhyWeWork