Self-care is an essential aspect of maintaining overall well-being and balance in our lives. Back in March, we had the privilege of hosting a self-care panel featuring five experts in various fields. Together, they shared their insights, experiences, and practical tips on self-care. In this blog post, we will delve into the panel discussion and highlight key points made by each expert, shedding light on what self-care means to them and how it can be incorporated into our daily lives.
Danielle Levy – Holistic Health Practinioner’s Perspective
Danielle emphasized the holistic nature of self-care, which encompasses physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being. From a nutrition standpoint, she stressed the importance of nourishing our bodies with nutrient-rich foods that are both satisfying and enjoyable. Danielle encouraged diversifying our diet, exploring new foods, and being mindful of hunger and fullness cues. Integrating traditional cultural foods into our meals was also highlighted as a meaningful and nourishing practice.
“The first thing that I think of when I think about self-care is the word nourishment. But from a holistic perspective. So physical nourishment, our physical body, our mental health, our social health, our emotional health. To really consider all those areas of our life when we’re thinking about self-care.”
Danielle Levy
Ventislav Tomov – Psychotherapist’s Insight
Ventislav, a psychotherapist, emphasized the significance of creating space and time for oneself as an essential aspect of self-care. He highlighted the importance of tuning into our emotions, thoughts, and needs, and engaging in introspection. Ventislav suggested that self-care involves acknowledging and attending to our emotional well-being, whether it be processing emotions, managing thoughts, or addressing specific challenges. By taking this self-reflective approach, we can better understand ourselves and initiate positive changes.
“Self-care at the end of the day is holding space and time for one’s needs—whatever needs to be heard, whatever needs to be tended to…you make that space.”
Ventislav Tomov
Louise Campbell – Artist and Art Educator’s Perspective
Louise shared her unique perspective on self-care, particularly through the lens of the arts. She described how engaging in artistic expression can provide a means of communication, processing emotions, and gaining a better understanding of oneself. The arts offer a platform for individuality, where people can express their life experiences and find solace or escape from daily pressures. Louise highlighted the potential of the arts as a tool for self-care and emphasized its positive impact on mental health.
“For me, self-care is a lot about tuning into yourself and asking questions like, what do I need now? What do I need in the future? What did I need in the past? And art can play a big role in supporting those needs.”
Louise Campbell
Josée Luz – Personal Trainer’s Advice
Josee, a personal trainer, emphasized the importance of refilling one’s own cup before being able to give to others effectively. She spoke from her experience as a mother, wife, and trainer, highlighting the need to prioritize self-care to avoid exhaustion and burnout. Josee encouraged individuals to invest time in themselves, recognizing that taking care of their own well-being enables them to better support and care for others. Balancing personal needs with the responsibilities and roles we hold in our lives is crucial for long-term well-being.
“I cannot give if I’m not refilled. And that applies to all of you. I know you all care for someone. You care for your job, you care for your family, your mom, your relatives, the list goes on. But if you’re tired, if you’re stressed, you’re not gonna be helping anyone. So start with yourself.”
Josée Luz
Robert McFadden – Personal Life Coach’s Insights
Robert emphasized that self-care serves as the key to unlocking success and fulfillment in various areas of life. He discussed the importance of building a relationship with oneself and becoming our own best friend. Robert highlighted mindfulness as a valuable practice for managing distractions and maintaining focus on what truly matters. He emphasized the need to treat ourselves with kindness, compassion, and self-advocacy, just as we would for our closest friends.
“Self-care is key. It’s the key that unlocks everything else in your life. In the work that I do, one of the most consistent things that comes up is about how you build a relationship with yourself. You wanna be like your own best friend. We can do it with other people, but how do we do it for ourselves?”
Robert McFadden
The self-care panel provided valuable insights into the diverse perspectives of our panelists. From nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods to engaging in artistic expression, from creating space for introspection to prioritizing personal well-being, each expert emphasized the significance of self-care. By incorporating their tips and insights into our lives, we can cultivate a healthier and more balanced approach to self-care, benefiting both ourselves and our communities.
Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining our well-being.
Didn’t get a chance to attend our Self-Care Panel? Watch the full event below!
