In times of natural disasters, such as the L.A. fires in January 2025, Hurricane Helene in 2024, or the 7.8 magnitude Turkey-Syria earthquake in 2023, life can feel overwhelming and uncertain. For those directly impacted by the disaster, life is now survival, and for those indirectly affected, feelings can be mixed with helplessness and sympathy as they watch their community and loved ones rebuild their lives. Even for those miles away, observing the destruction on TV can make them feel disoriented and overwhelmed. With emotions running high, it is essential to prioritize self-care to avoid the inevitable emotional exhaustion.
Self-care is often overlooked when one feels burnt out or overwhelmed with social issues. Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's well-being and happiness during periods of stress. Self-care means different things to people. To one person, it could mean taking the night off to go to the movies or get a massage. To another, it can mean going to church, communing with like-minded people, or engaging in a solo creative activity.
How does one take time for self-care when they are already overstressed?
One way is to fit in the small wins. Taking small steps over time vs. taking a large step in the short term may be the best way to go. For example, consistently working out for 15 minutes 3/x times a week for 6 months might yield better results than intense, 3-hour gym sessions 3/x a week for just 1 month - especially if those sessions are driven by a short-term New Year's resolution that is likely to be broken.
Some other examples of small wins are the "small moments" in life that help us mentally, such as the song on the radio that takes us back to 2005, the 2-minute breathwork break, the walk around the block, or calling that friend to say thank you.
Headspace and Calm are well-known mental/emotional health apps, but here are a few other apps and websites to explore to help you obtain your "small wins":
- 7 cups: Anonymous and free online support is available 24/7.
- Psychology Today: Offers a variety of support articles and resources.
- Fabulous: Access to daily routines for accountability.
- SAMHSA: Mental health and substance abuse services.
- CBT Therapy: Learn about changing your feelings and behavior by changing your thoughts.
- Download your self-care checklist HERE.
Important points to remember as you carve out your self-care time:
- Set realistic expectations by starting with small, achievable steps.
- Schedule out self-care time on your calendar and treat it as non-negotiable.
- Experiment with different self-care activities to find what helps you relax the most and track your progress to identify your winning formulas. What works best one week may not be fitting for the next one, so having options in your self-care toolkit provides efficiency, flexibility, and adaptability.
- Seek professional help if needed. You are not alone in struggling to manage stress. Consider utilizing your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health sessions with a counselor or find a therapist in your benefits network.
- Reach out to your community, loved ones, and neighbors for collective care. Crisis, such as natural disasters, often bring people together. Simple acts of support, such as offering assistance, gathering together, or simply lending an ear to a friend, can foster connection and strengthen community bonds.
Please contact me if you have questions about building a self-care routine or exploring your mental/emotional health benefits. Thank you.
If you'd like to learn more, please contact me at:
Jennifer Green
Vice President of Well-being & Engagement
jgreen@venbrook.com
Tel: (949) 652-6327
