Shifting from Burnout to Balance: 8 Simple Tips to Practice Self-Care

Your journey towards holistic health begins with making small but sound choices every day.

You can’t always rely on your organization or wait for better circumstances to make strides in your personal health. Yes, there are many factors that influence your well-being, and sometimes it can be crippling to realize that many of these are beyond your control. The good news is that there are things you can do to help yourself move closer to a healthier lifestyle. And even better news – many of these are small, actionable changes within your reach.

I recently gave a talk to a group of healthcare workers to address the issue of burnout. This state of mental and physical exhaustion is a real and serious concern that many are facing right now. My intention during the talk was to share hope – that it is possible to move from burnout to balance. This shift starts with self-care. When you are intentional about taking care of yourself, you can take better care of your family, friends, work, and community. Ultimately, I’d like to extend this hope to more people.

Here are eight tips you can do to integrate self-care into your daily life:

 1. Support the best version of yourself

Good nutrition, quality sleep, and regular exercise are staples, not add-ons for functioning well. Identifying sources of toxicity and removing them from your environment are also essential to support your best self. When you remove negativities in your life, you create space for positivity. The quality of your emotions will determine the quality of your life. 

2.  Enjoy every moment

A moment only comes once. Savor and appreciate each second of it. One of the gifts I received from surviving COVID-19 is being reminded of how every breath is a blessing. Don’t allow regrets of the past or fear of the future to take away from your present.  Let’s be grateful for every moment. Bask in simple joys. Smell the freshly brewed coffee. Enjoy every bite of that chocolate bar. Laugh your heart out when catching up with friends.

3. Love self to love others

Many of us tend to overwork to give a better life to the ones we love. But as the classic survival principle goes, you must place your oxygen mask first before you can help others. Keep yourself safe, create healthy boundaries, practice positive self-talk. When you care for yourself, you have more to give. Not filling your own cup limits your capacity to give to others.

4. Forgive yourself

Everyone makes mistakes. These are all part of what makes us human. It’s time to let go of the regrets and self-judgment. Be kind and compassionate to yourself.  When you forgive yourself, you can let go of unnecessary burdens. Accept, find the lesson, and let go. Tomorrow is a fresh start.

5. Connect with others

We all need to feel supported, loved, and valued. Take advantage of technological advancements and be in touch with people who matter to you. Constantly check on your family and friends, let someone know that you care, share good news. Having meaningful conversations benefits both you and the people you connect with. 

6. Acknowledge yourself

Celebrate your big and small wins. Were you able to close a business deal you prayed and prepared for? Consistently showed up for yoga practice this month? Noticed that your new plant is starting to bloom? These wins are yours. Give yourself a pat on the back, share the good news, and go treat yourself. Order your favorite take-out. Enjoy a movie date with the family. Play your favorite record, crank up the volume, and dance to your heart’s content. 

7. Rest

Even the greatest achievers take a break. You should too! The quality of your sleep directly and immediately affects your health, your relationships, and your performance at work. Taking regular breaks in between tasks is also necessary to help both your mind and body recover.

8. Express yourself

You are unique. No one else on this planet is exactly like you. Pursue your passion and share it with your tribe. Do things that bring you joy. Inspire your family and friends with your unique experiences. Turn to creative outlets – sing, dance, paint, bake. Learn something new. And don’t forget to reach out when you need help. There are individuals, groups, and organizations that are ready to lend a helping hand.

Self-care is not just a fad or a buzzword or a quick fix to momentary problems. True self-care is knowing that you matter. Your life is precious, and you deserve to give yourself the kind of love and care you give others. Genuine self-care is understanding that your thoughts, everyday choices, and small actions play an important role in your health. Yes, burnout is real, but so is balance. 

How can you practice self-care today?