Self-Care A-Z: A Road Trip to Self-Care
by Lisa Schelbe, PhD, MSW
I love road trips, especially when meaningful conversations accompany driving along a scenic road. While driving along I-75—arguably not a scenic drive—with my mom, we talked about this thing called self-care.
Through our conversation, it became more apparent that one way to think about self-care is by using the metaphor of a road trip. Just like a road trip, self-care requires planning, preparation, and a clear destination. Here are some ways to think about self-care, inspired by the journey of a road trip.
Step 1: Plan your route. Before you hit the road, you need to know where you're going. Similarly, self-care starts with identifying your goals and priorities. What do you want to achieve with your self-care journey? Is it better physical health, improved mental well-being, more fulfilling relationships, all of these, or something else? Once you have a clear destination in mind, you can plan your route.
Step 2: Pack your bags. When you’re packing for a road trip, you want to make sure you have everything you need for the journey ahead. In the same way, self-care requires preparation. This preparation might include things like scheduling regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and taking time to relax and unwind. Think about what you need to support your well-being, and make a list of the things you'll need. By having what you need at your disposal, you’ll be better equipped to take care of yourself.
Step 3: Get behind the wheel. Now that you’ve planned your route and packed your bags, it’s time to get on the road. When it comes to self-care, this next step means taking action. Start making changes in your daily routine that support your well-being. These commitments might mean going for a daily walk, practicing mindfulness, or taking a break from social media. Whatever it is, commit to it and stick with it.
Step 4: Take breaks. When you’re on a road trip, it’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge. The same is true for self-care. It’s essential to take breaks throughout the day to check in with yourself and see how you’re feeling. This step might mean taking a few minutes to meditate or simply stepping away from your work for a few minutes to clear your mind.
Step 5: Enjoy the journey. Make sure you’re not speeding! A road trip is more than just getting from point A to point B. It’s about enjoying the journey along the way. Similarly, self-care isn’t just about achieving your goals. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment in the process. Take time to appreciate the small victories along the way, and don’t forget to celebrate your successes. Celebration is part of self-care.
Step 6: Stay flexible. No road trip goes exactly as planned, and the same is true for self-care. Sometimes, life gets in the way, and you might not be able to prioritize self-care as you’d like. There will be days when you feel like giving up, when you don’t want to go for a run or cook a healthy meal. That’s okay. Be flexible and adaptable. Find small moments throughout the day to check in with yourself about what you need. Take care of yourself, even if it’s just taking a deep breath or going for a short walk. Oftentimes, good enough self-care is good enough.
Step 7: Arrive at your destination. Finally, after miles of driving, you’ll arrive at your destination. Just like reaching the end of a road trip, achieving your self-care goals is a moment to savor. Take time to reflect on your journey and the progress you’ve made. Celebrate your achievements, and remember that self-care isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey.
In conclusion, self-care is a lot like taking a road trip. Remember, just as with road trips, you’re not the only one on the road. We’re all on a journey. When we prioritize self-care, we're taking a journey toward wellness and a healthier, more fulfilling life. So, plan your route, pack your bags, and enjoy the journey to wellness!
Lisa Schelbe, PhD, MSW, is an associate professor at the Florida State University College of Social Work in Tallahassee, Florida. She also is a faculty affiliate at the Florida Institute for Child Welfare. Dr. Schelbe is Co-Editor of the Child Adolescent Social Work Journal. She is Director of the Child Well-Being Research Network. Dr. Schelbe’s research focuses on young people aging out of foster care. Her book Some Type of Way: Aging out of Foster Care is an ethnography of young people aging out of foster care. Central to her self-care is traveling with family and scuba dive.