By Esther Cohen

Would you let your phone run out of battery when you know you might need it? Do you make sure your phone is charged enough to last the day, or at least do you take a charger with you in case the battery needs ‘topping up’?

Having a working phone is so ingrained in my daily routine, that making sure its battery is at least reasonably charged is as much a habit as brushing my teeth each morning. After all, if my phone is operating on low, some functions would not work properly or even worse, it might ‘conk out’ when I need it most!

Take a minute to think about yourself.

As humans, we are the sum of our different functioning elements plus much more. We are our body, emotions, spirit, and soul, which allow us to ‘BE’ and to DO’. We are connectors, interactive, meaning-making individuals offering our unique contribution to life and to those around us (even if we don’t believe it!)

Our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is comparable to a battery within us. When optimised and fully charged, we can conquer the world. When running low, we feel depleted and can malfunction.

How many times have you and I ignored that ‘red light’ telling us it is time to recharge, only to feel even worse when there is no energy left to give?

Self-care is a priority, not a luxury

Making sure that our battery gets recharged, and we have time to reconfigure is our right and our responsibility.

Some of us fall into the trap of believing that when others see us run out of battery, exhausted or burnt out, they will finally appreciate how dedicated and hardworking we are and will recognise our true value. Not True!! The people that really matter appreciate and care for you without you needing to prove or destroy yourself.

Just like you would not expect your car to run without petrol (or electricity!) or your phone to run on an empty battery, it is only reasonable to not expect yourself to operate and give your best when you are depleted.

Self-care might look different for each one of us. Work out what recharges your batteries and reinvigorates you and do it!

For me, I dance, I pray, and I connect with the people I love, and of course, I sit down and enjoy a good piece of homemade chocolate cake!!