Helathy+4SummerFall2023spreadsfinal - Flipbook - Page 16
Running on Empty?
How to refill your emotional reserves
through simple acts of self-care
S
So much of life is a matter of give and take.
Which is all fine and good except when the
“takes” begin to exceed the “gives.”
According to Nancy Berry, MSW, a medical social
worker at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, “It
helps to think of your emotional reserves as a bank
account. And like a bank account, you
make regular withdrawals from and
deposits to it. For example, things
like providing rides to soccer
practice, responsibilities at
work, taking care of loved ones,
or even valued friendships,
are all withdrawals from your
emotional reserves. If you’re
not doing anything to rebuild
those reserves through deposits
in the form of self-care, bit by bit,
the constant withdrawals are going to
leave you feeling depleted and less able to
respond to stressful or unexpected situations
and crises.”
Saying “yes” to yourself
Despite what marketers and social media influencers
say, there’s more to practicing self-care than scented
candles, plush robes, and diffusers.
“There’s nothing wrong with treating yourself to
a little something,” says Berry, “but, as they say, you
can’t buy happiness. True self-care is about taking
control of your body and what’s going on with
you. It’s about giving yourself permission to take of
yourself the same way you take care
of others.”
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Berry encourages individuals to schedule time for
self-care much the same way you would a doctor’s
appointment. “It should be a non-negotiable,” she
says. “If that means having to say ‘no’ to others so
you can say ‘yes’ to taking care of yourself, so be it.
You need to shake the idea that a little me-time is
indulgent and get into the habit of treating
yourself with the same compassion
you’d show others.”
Recharge and refresh
The goal of self-care should
be recharging your personal
batteries. What it takes to do
that is completely personal.
If being outdoors brings you
peace, do that. If you love
nothing more than reading a book
uninterrupted, find a way to make
that happen.
“The key is allowing yourself to be fully
present for whatever it is you choose to do,” says
Berry. If you find yourself struggling to figure out
what you should be doing, Berry suggests thinking
of things you always wanted to try. “Maybe it’s
taking a class, learning to bake bread, or a hobby
like painting or needlework. Your only goal should
be to try it. You don’t have to be the best at it.
You just have to give yourself the time and
permission to have the experience. If you find the
experience isn’t bringing you joy or energy, try
something new.” +