The Importance of Self-Care and Time: A gentle reminder
Life is fleeting, and if there's anything we must constantly remind ourselves of, it’s that time is limited. We spend so much time in the rush of daily routines, ticking off tasks on our to-do lists, and working tirelessly to meet deadlines. Yet, how often do we pause to ask:
*What am I doing to take care of myself?*
This thought has been heavy on my mind, particularly as I reflect on taking a sabbatical—a time to recharge, reconnect with myself, and focus on self-care. For years, I’ve dreamed of taking that break, stepping away from the hustle. But let’s be clear: there will be no intense trekking or backpacking involved! I stumbled across an article about it, but trust me, my ancestors would not approve of such adventures! 😂
Instead, my vision is simple: spending time in Nigeria, rotating between my village and the town. That simplicity holds so much peace for me. You see, as a child, walking from the village to the Owerri market was a normal part of life. We’d walk for at least 45 minutes—sometimes more because we’d dart off into the bushes, plucking fruits here and there, totally unbothered by the heat or the possibility of running into a snake. 😂 Those were carefree days when time seemed endless, and we didn’t even feel the heat.
Now, however, just walking across the compound under the scorching sun feels like an assault from the sky. 😂 Even short distances make me long for shade and coolness. How things have changed! But still, that childhood memory has always been my dream—just to retreat, embrace the quiet rhythms of life, and bask in the peace of doing nothing but breathing.
Creating an Action Plan for Self-Care
Taking a sabbatical, for me, represents something deeper: a commitment to self-care. It’s a decision to pause, to listen to my body, and to restore my mind. But you don’t have to wait for a sabbatical to start practicing self-care. Life won’t always present you with huge chunks of time to take a break—so what can you do in the here and now?
Here’s a gentle nudge: create an action plan to be self-accountable. Just like we manage deadlines and work, we need to manage our well-being. Small, intentional steps toward self-care can have a profound impact.
Start by:
1. Assessing Your Current Lifestyle: How much time do you dedicate to relaxation, hobbies, or simply being?
2. Setting Realistic Goals: It could be as simple as a 10-minute meditation in the morning or taking a walk after work. These little moments add up.
3. Scheduling Breaks: Make rest a non-negotiable part of your daily routine. Just as you would schedule meetings, schedule breaks.
4. Checking In with Yourself: Regularly assess how you’re feeling. Are you burnt out, stressed, or fatigued? What can you change to address that?
5. Holding Yourself Accountable: Track your progress. Celebrate small wins, and if you fall off track, gently bring yourself back without guilt.
This isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about making small, manageable changes that honour the fact that life is short—and we deserve to take care of ourselves in the time we have.
My Dream of Rest
So yes, while trekking the mountains and backpacking across continents may not be for me, my dream remains. I see myself in my village, rotating between familiar places, surrounded by nature, memories, and simplicity. Even though the sun feels different now, and walking from one building to the next can be overwhelming, that’s part of the beauty of it. Life changes, and so do we.
But one thing remains constant: the need for rest and care, whatever form it takes.
What’s your version of self-care?
What would your action plan look like?
Don't wait for the perfect moment—start today. Because trust me, if you don't take care of yourself, no one else will.
Self-Care is Self-Accountability
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