In Volatile Times, Self-Care is Not Optional

There are times when, no matter how hard you try, you can’t sugarcoat the current situation of the world — or your life.

There are moments when even the most ardent optimists can feel like Pollyanna; times when their good faith and eternally-sunny disposition just feel out of place.

Nearly everyone in my immediate world is feeling a persistent churning of their insides as the attack on Israel escalates into a full-scale war. The conversations have even infiltrated the safe space of my CrossFit gym.

And then there are all the other issues of our times: wars in other parts of the world, climate change, rising mortgage rates. I have friends and clients who are dealing with a variety of issues with their health, marriages, children.

When “Self-Care” Feels Indulgent

Whether it’s a world event or a personal event, there’s always something that threatens to inject chaos and volatility into life.

In times like these, when we see so much suffering around us, it can feel indulgent — perhaps even selfish — to take a pause for our own self-care.

Add your never-ending “to-do” list to the mix and it can feel downright frivolous to take time for yourself.

With so much to do, with so much suffering, who has time for a yoga class, or a leisurely stroll through nature?

You do.

Not only do you have the time, but you must create the time and the space for it — especially if you want to be of service to others in this time of great need.

A Clarification on Self-Care

Self-care is not (necessarily) about a spa day or a mani/pedi — although if that’s what you need, then it is.

Self-care is about engaging in the practices and rituals that keep you grounded, centered, calm, and aware.

It’s about doing what you need to do in order for you to show up as a leader who can hold space for your clients, your kids, your spouse, friends, and community.

It’s about building the muscles that strengthen your presence.

The Cost of Foregoing Self-Care

The impulse to serve is noble. The world needs what you can offer. And the list of things that you need to do isn’t getting shorter on its own.

All true.

Here is what else is true:

If you do not engage in the rituals you need to keep yourself grounded, you will be unable to hold space for the people who need you most.

If you do not connect with your own emotions, you won’t be able to feel empathy for those who need your support. You’ll miss the important clues that precede turmoil in relationships and markets.

If you do not take time to get clear on your values and your priorities, you will be led astray by other people’s priorities. You will drift aimlessly, unable to get into flow.

Be the Tree, Not the Leaf

This is the time of year when a strong wind pulls the leaves off the trees. Without practices to ground you, you become like the leaves, scattered and blown around, left to be trampled over by pedestrians running home.

The trees that are well-rooted anchor in place, confident that they will sprout new leaves in the spring. In the meantime, their trunks provide solid support for anyone who needs a place to lean.

In volatile times we need more trees.

Now, more than ever, your self-care must be a priority. Not just for your benefit, but for the benefit of all those you serve.