Perspectives on the Relationship of Effectiveness & Self Care

There is thankfully a growing realization that effectiveness and self-care are linked and that investing in self-care can be massively improve productivity.

Melanie Faith

I’m a professor, tutor, freelance editor, and writer. I absolutely love being surrounded by motivated writers and dynamic personalities through my teaching and freelancing. I’m also an introvert. A big part of being verbally connective for hours at a time and sharing what I know in support of others’ writing journeys is also maintaining ways to care for myself to ensure that I bring my best to personalize my responses to students and writers and to connect with my students, friends, and family in meaningful ways.  Read more>>

Reba Shapiro

Today, self-care is often idealized and glorified as some sparkly new trend of habits. When self-care is talked about in this way, it makes it seem like a negotiable luxury that is inaccessible to many. Really, the definition is right there in the word: caring for oneself. It doesn’t need to be more complicated than that and it doesn’t require fancy or expensive products and tools. Read more>>

Niyah Jackson-Kikonda

I’ve learned over the years to work from a place of rest, rather than having to rest from work. A few books come to mind that locked in this new lifestyle change for me: “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer, “Redeeming Your Time” by Jordan Raynor, and “Emotionally Healthy Spirituality” by Pete Scazzero. Each book goes into detail about the biblical practice known as a sabbath and advocates for having a weekly 24-hour period where you just, stop. Read more>>

Dr. Anne Julia Hagen

For me, self-care revolves around cultivating a deep connection with my inner self through yoga and meditation. Over time, I’ve found immense solace and rejuvenation in these practices, which have become pillars of my daily routine. Regular yoga sessions have not only enhanced my physical well-being but have also helped me find calmness and stillness amidst life’s chaos. Read more>>

Juanita Tatum

I make time each day to create. Something. Anything. It’s usually first thing in the morning. I wake up and create. If i’m pressed for time, even just a few scribbles on a piece of paper is enough to get me through the day. Read more>>

Elorah Davis

Being a studio owner and yoga teacher of course I’m an advocate for yoga, meditation, and breath-work. Although yoga isn’t the only movement in my self care routine. Maybe is dance, hula-hooping, running, rollerskating, working out or even walking. I find that movement helps me get out of my head and into my body and lately, that has been my go to self care practice when I feel stuck. Read more>>

Marie Jones

I first had to make self care a priority on my to do list just like my other responsibilities. I look at self care as physical, mental, spiritual and emotional maintenance. For me, that looks like regularly scheduled massages and other alternative healing methods, nail care, energy healing, spa treatments, reading, listening to music, meditation, praying, talks with myself, grounding, solo dates and creating boundaries. Read more>>

Nicol Cunningham

I like to take time for outdoor walks where I can hear, see and feel connected to nature. I try to leave my phone at home when I take walks so I can be disconnected from social media for my mental health. I like to take time for relaxing hobbies like crocheting, watching k-dramas, or playing music with my husband.  Read more>>

Laura Ellis

I’m a big believer in the power of a good walk. Stepping out and giving myself some breathing room is crucial for clearing my head—it helps me connect the dots, solve problems, and spark creative solutions for my business. And when it comes to recharging, I consider myself something of a nap connoisseur!  Read more>>

Mariela De Santiago

Self-care is non-negotiable for me, and I make it a priority to carve out time for myself amidst the chaos of motherhood. Whether it’s squeezing in a quick workout during my son’s nap, indulging in at-home face masks, nail care, and eye masks, or treating myself to a relaxing bath, I ensure I take care of my physical and mental well-being.  Read more>>

Hunter Lambert

Giving myself the appropriate time and space to intently work on grounding my energy and letting myself exist right where I am in life helps me tremendously. I love to do this by connecting with nature and taking time to appreciate all the beauty that surrounds me from day to day. Read more>>

Jacob Zacharia

Without caring for the self, we are unable to effectively interact with, let alone care for, anyone or anything else: Over the past three years I’ve developed an avid mindfulness and meditation practice, which has allowed more space for equanimous navigation of the craziness in every day. Read more>>

Noor Adwan

I can’t create if my mental health is suffering. So I try to prioritize that first and foremost by taking care of the basics: getting enough sleep, eating good food and staying hydrated, and fitting movement and exercise into my weekly routine. It’s harder to cultivate a creative spirit if you don’t feel well. And sometimes you can double-dip: I get a lot of inspiration from going on walks outside. Read more>>

Alexa Higginson

Self-care is very important to me. I need to take time to disconnect from work, emails, and tasks to care for myself. Thing I enjoy doing the better my mind and body are working out, spending quality time with my husband and children, eating nutritious foods and getting outside. Doing these activities lowers my anxiety and increases my mood.  Read more>>

Kristina Dowler

Self-care is such an interesting concept to me. It’s all about what makes us feel better – or at the very least, whatever makes us feel the most like ourselves so that we can handle whatever life throws at us. Since becoming a mom (my son is now 6), my self-care has morphed and changed over the years. I’ve had to learn to focus on what truly makes me the feel the best so that I can better show up for him, my husband, myself, work, etc. Read more>>

Kornelia Hanna

No one ever expects to get a diagnosis of the big “C” – cancer. The day I was diagnosed in January 2018 after an initial mammogram and biopsy, I was shocked but not surprised. I was diagnosed with triple positive invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. I was stage I. Read more>>

Marcele Berger

Exercising is my favorite way to care or my mind and body. I enjoy hiking and running at Runyon Canyon here is Los Angeles. I am very fortunate to live near by. Another things that keeps me grounded is the New York City Ballet Workout. I have been doing it for more than 17 years. I usually exercise right after dropping off my kids at school. I feel my mind awaken and my body ready for a few hours of driving later in the day to their after school activities. Read more>>

Jasmine Clarke

Self-care for me is found in various activities. I could be walking outdoors, practicing pilates, meditating, getting a massage or indulging in fine dining. The list is endless. I believe nurturing myself helps me show up more effectively in my work and in the world. These activities are essential for refueling my energy and maintaining my sense of calm and well-being. Read more>>

Sarahndipity Johnsen, M.Ed.

In the past, I prioritized helping others more than I took time for myself. After a prolonged state of depression stemming from a car accident, I realized that I had to create a supportive self-care routine. I carved out time for a daily meditation practice, attended inspirational courses, and committed to nature walks every day.  Read more>>

Rebekka Ling

My number one ‘self care’ routine or foundation is keeping/maintaining my faith. Without it I I’m lost or easily distracted. Knowing I’m a daughter of the Most High and made in His image, keeps me rooted. it took me years to fully accept and grasp that that is where my confidence lies. My value comes from God, it also makes me want to take care of myself, body mind and spirit more. Read more>>