Self-Care Is Not Selfish

Written By Lois Ingber


Parents seem to always have so much on their plates: working, shopping, homeschooling and supporting homework, cooking, maintaining the home, staying connected with family, and other aspects of life. It can become stressful and a challenge to find time just for ourselves – to de-stress, relax and refresh.

When flying, we are advised to put on our oxygen masks first so that we may help others with theirs. Self-care isn’t about being selfish - it means “me, too.” In fact, if we are not in an optimum state, we aren’t as able to support others and take care of responsibilities.

If we imagine our responsibilities as different size rocks to fit into a jar, how can we fill the jar without leaving anything out? As you watch this 4-minute video demonstrating this metaphor offered by Steven Covey, author of the book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” consider what size rock self-care is, and how you could fit it in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zV3gMTOEWt8

Challenge: Set a goal to practice self-care today, each week, and each month. Some ideas: in the moment slow deep breathing, going for a walk, listening to music, cooking with your children, a family hike – the list is endless!

Lois Ingber, LCSW, CPDLT
Behavioral Counselor
lingber@myelement.org


Lois Ingber

LOIS INGBER, Behavioral Counselor, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Positive Discipline Lead Trainer.  Lois holds a Bachelor Degree in Sociology from UCLA and a Masters in Social Work degree from SDSU where her focus area was Children, Youth, and Families.  Lois has worked in social service, private practice, hospital, clinic, and school settings, most recently for seventeen years at Rady Children’s Outpatient Psychiatry providing school-based counseling services.  Lois was a Community Montessori and Dehesa parent prior to joining the staff in 2016 and brings this perspective to her role.   Lois is responsible for providing education, collaboration, and support implementing the Positive Discipline model and social/emotional competencies in the Learning Center and home learning environments, in line with Element’s philosophy of self-directed learning and the development of mastery, autonomy, and purpose for students and the adults who serve as their guides.

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