A reccurring theme that has surfaced in our Servant Leadership class has been self-care. Self-care is any restorative practice that grounds us from hectic schedules or negative emotions. It is crucial in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Without it, you run the risk of becoming overworked and burnt out. This balance is not easy to achieve and takes some time to get right. So why is self-care so difficult?

First, it conflicts with the “dedicated worker” image we’re taught to value. Society tells us that we have to sacrifice and compete at all costs so we can succeed or come out on top. This means working through lunch, or booking more appointments than we’re capable of handling. We push and push our limits, and before we know it, we’re over the edge.

Additionally, some people don’t think self-care fits in their life. To them it is a privilege that can only be enjoyed once you secure a certain position; self-care is out of the question. “I’d love to take a day off, but I have bills to pay.” “I’d love to take a study break, but I have a big test coming up.” We tell ourselves self-care is a luxury that we can’t afford at the moment. But self-care is not a privilege; it is a necessity. Ignoring your own needs has detrimental effects on your health and the task you are working on. During midterms, cramming and pulling all-nighters rarely lead to better grades; they lead to stress, sleep deprivation, and strained immune systems. At work, skipping lunch to power through a stack of work rarely leads to increased productivity and only puts you closer to burnout.

Practicing good self-care is the only way to avoid burning out. Without it, we become unproductive and weighed down. When it comes to school, I know I need to get off campus on the weekends. When it comes to work, I know I need to walk so I can unwind. I know my limits. Self-care is about freeing yourself, so instead of piling more on your plate, why don’t you take some time to unwind?