Ch. 15 How to Start Crafting Wellness in a Busy Life
Chapter Fifteen
Today’s focus is on crafting wellness within busy lives and navigating the complexities of balancing work or school demands with the need for self-care. In today’s fast-paced society, it’s all too easy to become consumed by tasks and responsibilities, often prioritizing productivity over personal well-being. This phenomenon—marked by an overemphasis on work or school at the expense of self-care—has become increasingly normalized, but at what cost?
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The Cult of Productivity
In our culture, productivity is often equated with success and worthiness. We’re taught to push ourselves to the limit, sacrificing sleep, nutrition, and leisure time in pursuit of our goals. The pressure to perform can lead to a relentless focus on tasks, with little regard for the body’s needs or signals.
Many of us have experienced the phenomenon of getting “in the zone,” where time seems to stand still as we immerse ourselves in our work or studies. During these periods of intense concentration, it’s common to lose track of time, neglecting basic self-care activities such as eating regular meals or taking breaks to stretch and rest our bodies.
Normalization of Self-Neglect
Staying up late to finish a project or skipping meals because of looming deadlines has become normalized in our society. We often glorify the “hustle culture,” celebrating those who work long hours and sacrifice their well-being for the sake of success. This normalization perpetuates the narrative that self-care is secondary to productivity and that pushing ourselves to the brink is necessary for achievement.
However, this mindset sets a dangerous precedent about the importance of caring for ourselves. It sends the message that our bodies are merely vessels for productivity, rather than deserving of care and respect in their own right. Over time, this can lead to burnout, physical health issues, and a diminished quality of life.
Finding Balance
So, how do we navigate the delicate balance between meeting the demands of work or school and caring for ourselves? It begins with a shift in mindset—a recognition that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for optimal functioning and well-being.
Setting Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work or school and personal time. Determine specific hours for work or study, and honor designated breaks for rest, relaxation, and self-care.
Prioritizing Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Schedule time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Listening to Your Body: Tune into your body’s signals and honor its needs. Pay attention to cues such as hunger, fatigue, and discomfort, and respond with compassion and care.
Seeking Support: Reach out for support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if you’re struggling to find balance. Therapy can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing stress, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care.
Balancing the demands of work or school with the need for self-care is an ongoing journey—one that requires self-awareness, compassion, and intentional action. By challenging the narrative of productivity at all costs and prioritizing our well-being, we can cultivate a healthier relationship with ourselves and create space for fulfillment, joy, and resilience in our lives.
Remember, you are worthy of care and deserving of rest. Honor your body, honor your needs, and honor your worth. Together, let’s redefine success not by how much we accomplish, but by how well we care for ourselves and each other. If you’re struggling to find balance or navigate the demands of work or school, please know that support is available. Reach out to a therapist, counselor, or trusted loved one for guidance and encouragement. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Until next time, don’t forget to take care of yourself.
– – Cat
Getting Started
Catherine Alvarado, LMFT is a licensed psychotherapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Consultant-in-Training (CIT) in Redondo Beach, CA. Beyond the pages of self-help blogs, she offers Individual Therapy, EMDR Therapy, Intensive EMDR, & Adjunct EMDR for teens and adults with anxiety disorders, specific phobias, trauma & stress related issues, & somatic complaints.
If you are experiencing distress, contact Cat to schedule a free phone consultation.
