It’s early December, and I’ve been in overdrive since September 1. I’m tired. The kind of tired that’s familiar to many of us in higher education, where fall arrives and suddenly everything accelerates.
In the summer, taking care of myself is easy: the mountains call, the days feel generous, and saying ‘no’ is easy because I’d rather be out on a trail than at my computer. In the summer, I make decisions that align.
What happened to summer-Isabeau?
When September hits, I shed summer-Isabeau and revert to my old patterns of overworking and intensity. Plus, this fall came with a few extra twists, such as a back that seized up and a knee that protested. This has meant that my usual “go outside and move” strategy wasn’t available. So, I had to broaden my idea of self-care.
Present day self-care
Here’s what I’ve come up with for fall/early winter self-care in this intense work phase.
More in-person time
Yes, please. I’ve been going to in-person events (coaching-related and non-professional), gathering with friends when possible, and even participating in small group exercise classes (a new thing for me).
Frequent contact with my parents
I have elderly parents and am the only child. Part of my self-care is being in integrity and being a reliable presence for my parents. When I’m attentive to my parents, I feel better about myself.
My mother lives out of town and I call her every day. My father lives a few minutes by walk and I drop-in regularly, reserve Friday mornings for him, and call him almost daily.
Singing
If you’ve followed me for any time, you know that I’ve been on a singing journey and that it has streeeeetched me! The fun parts are taking lessons, singing at the open mic (especially when my song is over and I can relax, haha!), collaborating with other singers and musicians, and listening to great live music locally.
Joining a gym
This one surprised me. I spent a while weighing my options (no pun intended) and realized I wanted group fitness—in person—because I wasn’t having fun exercising on my own.
Self-care take-away
As you can see, we’re not talking spa days or mini-holidays, but rather doable, regular choices that work for this moment in the semester.
If you, too, are in your end-of-semester fog, I encourage you to notice what you need in this particular stretch of the academic year. Your self-care now might look nothing like it did three months ago. Mine doesn’t. That’s okay. (Note to self: What will be even more ok–or, ideal–is not overworking. More of that coming.)
Over to you
What can help you feel a bit more like yourself, even when the season pulls you in another direction?
