How do Civic and Nonprofit Leaders Practice Self-Care?

As a community leader, the demands on your time, attention, and energy can be immense.

From responding to community needs to navigating political pressures, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and overworked. It's important to recognize that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity. Prioritizing your mental and physical health will not only benefit you personally but will also allow you to better serve your community.

So, how do YOU practice self-care? This is a personal question that requires an individualized answer. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. Some find that meditation or massage help to quiet their minds and release tension. Others prefer to engage in creative activities like painting or writing to alleviate stress. Some may find solace in prayer or engaging in outdoor activities.

Self-care is not selfish, it’s a necessary act of self-preservation. It's essential to set aside time for activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. By taking care of yourself, you will be better equipped to take care of your community.

Last week, the South Carolina School Boards Association invited me to lead a workshop for nearly 100 school board chairs - who shared with each other the methods of self-care that work for them. (Their answers appear in the graphic above, which you likely guessed from the “eat-more-grits” suggestion.)

So, what really works for YOU? How do you prioritize self-care amidst a demanding schedule?

Please take this One Question Survey by February 24th (and I’ll report the results in next week’s post): https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QFHRB28

As always, THANK YOU for your service as a community leader.