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

Tiara Nile

Self-care is commonly seen as things like exercise, good nutrition, getting enough rest, meditation, skin care, etc. I, too, take part in all of these things on a regular basis. Each piece keeps me feeling and looking my best and keeps me strong physically, mentally and emotionally. However, none of these self-care routines compares to the biggest step I took for myself over 2 and a half years ago. In November of 2021, I suffered a great loss when my father passed away from complications due to COPD. I was absolutely devastated and crushed me to the core. Read More>>

Rhonda Leppert

I’ve said for years, there is no work-life balance, it’s either-or! Work chooses the time you have to execute it and you make the time for yourself! I work the typical five-day work week and some days I work long hours but I force exercise into my life because it gives me sanity and variety in what can sometimes be an existence of insanity and monotony. I schedule exercise time on my work calendar when I need to, I treat it like it’s an important meeting with one of my colleagues or my subs. Read More>>

Elizabeth Juarez

What I do for self-care is prioritizing myself to go to the gym more frequently and cut bad habits.
I am making changes in my life – slowly.. that will help me impact my effectiveness in accomplishing my goals. After a good workout, it helps me release any stress, blockage, or any mixed emotions I may carry. By creating this habit – it feels like I’ve been “rewaken” and feeling accomplished. I’ve been able to accomplish more by setting up a “game plan” for the day and still be present for my family. Read More>>

Keionne Johnson

One of my favorite forms of self-care is binge-watching TV shows and going on walks where I can pray and talk to God. I’ve realized that when I intentionally take time for myself whether it’s reading, solving puzzles, getting my hair done, watching a good show, or simply taking a nap it has a powerful effect on my mental health and creativity. These moments of rest and enjoyment help me stay grounded, disciplined, and ultimately more effective in managing my responsibilities. Read More>> 

Dale “Shack” Shackleford

The entire human existence is filled with constant pressure and stress from all around us. Making time for taking care of yourself is important, especially as the speed of our lives in society is constantly expected to become faster. While being productive is both good and necessary, you must also take time for yourself. This is something that I am incredibly bad at. I tend to work until I drop sick on the couch or am unable to move any further.  Read More>> 

Roger Baldacci

For self-care, I start from the inside out. My mornings begin at 6 AM with a Zoom Bible study led by my pastor and about 15 others from church. We dive into the Word, ask tough (and sometimes “dumb”) questions, and grow together spiritually. I’m usually the guy who asks what everyone else is thinking, but too embarrassed to say out loud. People tell me they’re glad I speak up. Read More>> 

Patrick Kerssen

The concept of self care is a difficult one for a lot of the full time musicians I know, myself very much included. It can often feel like taking any actual down time for self care, no matter how needed or deserved, is a bad use of your time, because you can literally always be practicing and improving, or working on booking gigs, or learning the music for your next gig, or writing, or marketing, or whatever else. Read More>> 

Emma Goldblatt

I’ve learned that self care is more than face masks, bubble baths, & sleepy girl mocktails. (Although, I do love all of those things, and it is so important to pamper and spend time with yourself!)

I like to instead think of self care as though I am a person in the computer game The Sims; making sure all my ‘needs’ bars are filled and in the green, and making sure to not let too many go to ‘red’. (If you’ve never played the Sims before, it basically means making sure your psychological and physiological needs are met) Read More>>