Self Care for Professionals: Why It’s Essential, not Selfish
I didn’t realize how much I had been neglecting myself until one crisp fall morning after my son My son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. It was one of many lessons I’ve learned about why self-care for professionals matters so much.
I was sitting at our kitchen table with Phil, outlining how we’d manage my absence from Henderson Properties. It was an excruciating conversation—I felt guilt, fear, and relief all at once. Stepping away was a wake-up call for me. I realized that without taking care of myself, I couldn’t fully care for my family or my business.
I’d like to share some other stories about how I’ve learned to put self-care at the top of my to-do list. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury you can put off. It’s the foundation for mental health, work-life balance, and success.
Why Self-Care Matters to Me
Let me tell you something I wouldn’t wish on anyone. For the first 12 years of running Henderson Properties, Phil and I didn’t take a single weeklong vacation. Exhaustion was catching up to us, and I didn’t realize how much it affected my mental clarity until I had to step away to focus on my son.
That decision to pause wasn’t easy. I had to rely on my husband Phil and my senior team to manage the company. I learned the power of delegation—trusting others to carry some of the load. It not only helped me care for my family but also strengthened our company’s foundation. It showed me that no one can do it all alone—and no one should have to.
I also began to see the value in small, intentional acts of self-care. During overwhelming days, a short walk outside or a moment of quiet reflection became lifelines. These practices helped me reset and gave me the clarity to tackle challenges one step at a time.
Even brief breaks can improve productivity and mental clarity These small resets can help professionals maintain their emotional resilience. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive to be effective; it just needs to be consistent.
Build Your Own Self-Care Routine
When you practice self-care every day, it can transform your well-being. Here are some strategies I’ve adopted that can help you create a sustainable self-care routine.
Create Boundaries That Protect Your Time. Set a clear line between work and personal life. At Henderson Properties, we encourage employees to honor their time off, and I’ve made it a rule for myself to disconnect during family dinners.
Find Strength in Community. Faith has been my anchor during tough times. Whether it’s a spiritual practice, community group, or close-knit circle of friends, connecting to something larger than yourself can provide resilience and perspective.
Make Flexibility a Priority. One of the ways I’ve prioritized self-care is by creating flexible programs for our team, like “Lunch & Learn” sessions and leadership training. If you’re a leader, consider how you can build a supportive environment that values work-life balance.
Celebrate Progress. Small wins matter. During Blake’s recovery, I celebrated milestones like him learning to manage his condition. Professionally, I’ve learned to take pride in incremental progress, like landing a new client or completing a project.
The Fine Line Between Selfish and Selfless
Self-care is the balance between selfish indulgence and selfless sacrifice. When you discover that fine line, you can show up as your best self in every role you play. Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you’re letting anyone down. It means you’re investing in the inner resources you need for your family, your team, and your dreams.
So, take that walk, set aside that time, or let someone else take the reins. You’re not doing it alone, and you don’t have to do it all.
Self-care is how you find the energy to thrive, not just survive. And trust me, you’re worth it.