By: Asma Shums,
What is self-care and why does it matter? Self-care includes all the things you do to take care of your well-being in four key dimensions: your emotional, physical, psychological and spiritual health.
Self-care is essential for managing stress, preventing burnout and mitigating compassion fatigue – all common occupational hazards for caring, high-performing individuals. Self-care is also important for a sense of overall integrity, as it ensures we are “walking our talk.”
How should one Self Care? It could be anything that suits you.
Physical self-care involves ensuring an overall healthy lifestyle that includes eating healthy, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of exercise.
Emotional self-care might include setting clear boundaries on your time and energy. Engage emotional boundaries within helping relationships, surrounding yourself with positive people and affirmative and inspiring messages.
Psychological self-care activities might include personal and professional development. Give attention to things that are in your control (your sphere of influence). Take time for personal reflection. Notice your inner experiences, thoughts and feelings.
Spiritual self-care might include prayer or meditation. You may want to visualize, practice gratitude, spend time in nature and be aware of the non-material aspects of your life. Identify what is meaningful to you in your work and life. Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment.
Since the coronavirus outbreak, my 47-year-old son has been washing his hands religiously. In fact, he said, “I’ve been washing my hands so much, I found the answers to an old eighth-grade math quiz.
info at: asmashums@gmail.com
Sunday, May 3, 2026
