Self-care Spotlight and Support
Hi Mike, tell us a bit about yourself… After university, I trained as a mathematics teacher and worked at a number of schools. I ended up as Deputy Head and was the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Within that role, I was very conscious of children’s mental health. I am married with three (now adult) children and two grandchildren. I am generally happy and outgoing.
What does self-care mean to you? Self-care is a fundamental, mind, body and spirit. It is important not to confuse self-care with being selfish. When we are under pressure, perhaps at work and working to deadlines, we often neglect ourselves and this can be extremely detrimental. There are many aspects to selfcare, including having a healthy lifestyle. This will include eating healthily, keeping hydrated, regular exercise and getting sufficient sleep. It is also important not to allow health concerns to go unmonitored. But, we also need to make time to pursue our interests and hobbies and also just to switch off and relax. Laughter can have hugely positive benefits. Friendships and family are also so important. Ironically, self-care can also be rooted in caring for another. I find that volunteering helps me also. As well as volunteering at PAPYRUS, which I am finding very fulfilling, I am a member of an organisation which arranges visits to lonely people. Another aspect of self-care is “letting go”, not bearing grudges and not dwelling on or worrying about situations that you can do nothing about. My own hobbies, include exercising (cycling, skipping and rowing machine), listening to and playing music and reading. I still pursue Mathematical interests.
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