The Necessity & Simplicity of Self-Care (Even for STEM Majors)
By Jasmine Wiley
The awareness of mental health in the United States is leading to the acceptance of self-care and self-prioritization.
Many individuals have become more aware of the struggle that comes with experiencing a mental illness and its prevalence in our communities.
Looking around, many of the mental illnesses people experience go unseen by those around them and even themselves in some scenario
s.
The more we acknowledge and accept mental wellness, the more we see a change in prioritization, as I believe has already begun.
People have begun prioritizing their mental and physical health over their jobs because employers are encouraging workers to put work in front of their health at times.
They are asking way too much from them. It has resulted in a greater appreciation for those who show up and work their job.
Here at VCU, we all share different experiences. Some are encouraged to partake in self-care, while others are never taught about the concept, and others are encouraged to do the opposite, prioritizing things over their health.
Those within the STEM community are often encouraged to set aside their participation in self-care due to their employers care for production more than for the overall health of the employees as human beings.
Self-care is highly individualistic, this is because it can be achieved at any level of income. For instance, one may not be able to afford a lip scrub but can afford their favorite chapstick.
Here at VCU, we all share different experiences. Some are encouraged to partake in self-care, while others are never taught about the concept, and others are encouraged to do the opposite, prioritizing things over their health.
Self-care can be achieved through getting a manicure, pedicure or haircut. It can also be achieved by taking a walk around the block, across the bridge or along the river.
In addition, one can partake in self-care by reading a book in the genre of horror, mystery, fairy, fiction or nonfiction. It is purely based upon what brings the reader enjoyment. One can also care for themselves by spending time with themselves doing the things one enjoys.
Self care can also take the form of a wellness retreat and the prioritization of your mental and physical health. It can be putting down the homework for twenty-four hours on a weekend day and playing catch or frisbee, painting or hiking by yourself or with friends.
Furthermore, this can include awareness of overall health and nutrition, exercise, and the act of taking a shower. Overall, self-care is based on the individual and what is important to them, and what brings them enjoyment and fulfillment in their life.
Self-care encourages individuals to say no when something that feels like an obligation pulls away from their wellness.
Saying no to staying late, because it is not your responsibility to make up for those who were unable to make it, because you are the employee and not the employer. There is nothing wrong with picking up a shift when it is an appropriate time and space to spend on doing so; deciding for oneself to do so is absolutely alright.
Self-care encourages individuals to say no when something that feels like an obligation pulls away from their wellness.
It will be challenging, especially for those in industries such as STEM that need to be more knowledgeable about the concept and choose to accept its importance. Some or most STEM professors need to be made aware of or understand the importance of self-care. This can be achieved — I know we can do this!
As students, our lives are filled with the juggling of different schedules. It is important to take even 10 minutes, when appropriate, to acknowledge ourselves, our wants, and our needs.
Failure to recognize and participate in self-care can result in burnout, and compassion fatigue. Let's do what we can, when we can, to support ourselves in living our best lives.
Photo courtesy of Maik Kleinert via Pexels