What really is this Self-Care anyway?

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, bombarded by images of bubble baths, face masks, and exotic vacations, all hashtagged #selfcare? As a customer service pro, you might be wondering how any of that fits into your busy, often stressful life. You're not alone. In a world that seems to equate self-care with indulgence, many of us are left wondering: what really is this self-care anyway?

Let's break it down together and see if we can clear up our understanding of what genuine self-care looks like. We'll explore how to incorporate it into our lives in a meaningful, sustainable way that helps prevent burnout and supports our overall wellbeing. By the end of this post, you might just have some fresh perspectives on self-care that resonate with your daily life as a retail or hospitality hero.

The Self-Care Misconception

Let me share a personal story that might sound familiar. A few years ago, I was burning the candle at both ends, juggling a demanding restaurant job, family responsibilities, and a side hustle. I was exhausted, irritable, and on the verge of burnout. One day, a well-meaning friend suggested I needed some "self-care." Her recommendation? A spa day complete with a massage, facial, and mani-pedi.

While the spa day was lovely, it didn't address the root of my problems. I returned to my hectic life feeling momentarily refreshed but ultimately no better equipped to handle my daily challenges. This experience got me thinking: could there be more to self-care than these occasional indulgences?

Redefining Self-Care: More Than Skin Deep

What if self-care isn't just about treating ourselves, but about taking care of ourselves in a holistic, sustainable way? Could it be the practice of actively protecting our own well-being and happiness, especially during periods of stress? For customer service professionals like us, who often give so much of ourselves to others, this idea might be particularly worth exploring. Let's consider some key components of what could constitute genuine self-care:

Physical Self-Care: Nurturing Our Bodies

While a relaxing bath can certainly be part of self-care, we might want to think broader. Some aspects of physical self-care could include:

• Regular exercise

Including practices like yoga that promote both mobility and balance

• Balanced nutrition

Adding those extra veggies to a plate will work wonders

• Adequate sleep

Shooting for full 8 hours might seem infeasible, but what is life without goals?

• Routine medical check-ups

Getting to know your body from the inside.

These habits will help form the foundation of our overall well-being. They may not always be Instagram-worthy, but they could be crucial for long-term health and vitality.

Emotional Self-Care: Honouring Our Feelings

Emotional self-care might be about acknowledging and processing our feelings in a healthy way. This could involve:

• Journaling

• Therapy or counselling

• Practicing mindfulness or meditation

• Setting boundaries in both professional and personal relationships

It's worth remembering that it's okay not to be okay sometimes. Perhaps true self-care includes giving ourselves permission to feel and work through difficult emotions, fostering authenticity in our lives.

Mental Self-Care: Stimulating Our Minds

Our brains need care too! Mental self-care might include:

• Learning new skills

• Reading books, articles etc.

• Engaging in stimulating conversations

• Pursuing hobbies that challenge us intellectually and bring joy

These activities will keep our minds sharp and provide a sense of accomplishment and growth, potentially bringing clarity to our thoughts and decisions.

Social Self-Care: Nurturing Relationships

As social creatures, maintaining healthy relationships might be a crucial aspect of self-care. This could involve:

• Regular check-ins with friends and family

• Joining clubs or groups aligned with our interests

• Volunteering in our community

• Seeking support when we need it

It might be worth considering that quality often trumps quantity when it comes to social connections. Building a supportive community could be a powerful tool in preventing burnout.

The Power of Small, Consistent Actions

Here's another story that might resonate. A fellow hospo head, Sarah, was struggling with stress and anxiety. Instead of opting for grand gestures of self-care, she decided to try implementing small, daily habits. She started with a 10-minute morning yoga practice, followed by a short walk during her lunch break. She also made a point to call a friend or family member for a quick chat every evening.

Within a few weeks, Sarah noticed improvements in her mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. She felt more balanced and better equipped to handle challenging customer interactions. Her experience suggests that self-care doesn't have to be time-consuming or expensive. Sometimes, it's the small, consistent actions that can make a significant difference.

Your Self-Care Journey: Food for Thought

As we wrap up, let's reflect on some key ideas we've explored:

1. Self-care seems to be more than just indulgence; it could be a holistic approach to maintaining our well-being and preventing burnout.

2. True self-care will encompass physical, emotional, mental, and social aspects of our lives.

3. Small, consistent actions could have a more significant impact than grand, occasional gestures.

Remember, self-care likely looks different for everyone. What matters is finding practices that truly nourish and support you. It's not selfish to prioritise your well-being; in fact, it might be essential. When we take care of ourselves, we're often better equipped to handle life's challenges and show up fully for our guests, customers, colleagues, and loved ones.

So, why not take a moment to reflect on your current self-care practices? Are they truly serving you? What small changes might you consider implementing to better support your overall well-being? Perhaps exploring a local yoga class or starting a daily meditation practice could be worth a try?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! What does self-care mean to you as a customer service professional?

Feel free to share your favourite self-care practices in the comments below, or share a small change you're considering in your routine.

With love and off to go for a walk in last bits of sunshine this Autumn,

Anna xx