Discovering Balance: Selfcare in a Connected World.

"No man is an island," once said John Donne, a 17th-century English poet. These words still resonate today, reminding us of the importance of self-care and balance in our lives. In a busy and interconnected world, selfcare becomes essential for our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. When we learn to genuinely care for ourselves, we can extend that care to others, strengthening relationships and finding a deeper connection with the world around us.

Taking care of oneself to care for others.

By genuinely caring for others, we are, in fact, caring for ourselves. When we look at others, we see the presence of God, just as they see God in us. The biblical verse "That they may all be one" reminds us of the importance of finding unity and empathy, recognizing that caring for others is a reflection of the care we have for ourselves. This expanded view empowers us to extend compassion and love to the world around us.

The satisfaction of completing a task

There is an intrinsic and gratifying strength in completing a task from beginning to end. When we commit ourselves to a goal and persevere until we achieve it, we experience a profound sense of personal fulfillment. This feeling of accomplishment strengthens our confidence, boosts our self-esteem, and propels us to face new challenges with determination. By dedicating ourselves to our tasks and projects, we become masters of our own destiny.

Disconnecting from the scrolling of social media

In a world where social media constantly clamors for our attention, it is crucial to carve out time to disconnect and reconnect with ourselves. Often, we get lost in other people's ideas and neglect our own thoughts and needs. By turning off the constant scrolling on social media, we allow ourselves to cultivate moments of stillness and introspection, enabling us to rediscover our own voice and reconnect with our authentic values and desires.

Valuing others beyond screens

In a professional context, it is essential to recognize the importance of giving attention to others. In meetings, lowering the screen of our PCs, which often symbolizes a barrier, and keeping our smartphones out of the room, demonstrates respect and genuine availability for dialogue. By committing to being present and valuing others, we create space for more meaningful and collaborative relationships, where true connection and exchange of ideas can flourish.

Between Meetings Conversation: Recharge and Reflect

Recognize the importance of balancing work with moments of rest and rejuvenation, embraced the principle of taking a 3-day break every 6 weeks of intense work. This regular pause allows us to recharge, replenish our energy, and reflect upon our accomplishments. During these periods, we can dedicate ourselves to self-improvement, personal care, and reconnecting with what truly matters. This practice reaffirms our commitment to selfcare and contributes to our overall well-being.

Financial stability and financial literacy

Financial stability plays a crucial role in our lives, providing us with peace of mind and security. When we are financially stable, we have more freedom to take care of ourselves and others. It is important to equip teams with financial literacy training, empowering them to make informed decisions and build a solid foundation for the future. By promoting financial understanding, we invest in the well-being of each individual and strengthen the collective.

Are we truly multitasking?

In today's world, we are constantly encouraged to be multitaskers, but is it really possible? Research suggests that our attention and performance suffer when we attempt to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. Instead of overwhelming ourselves with a myriad of activities, it is more productive and beneficial to focus on one task at a time. By directing our full and undivided attention to a single activity, we are able to achieve greater efficiency and quality in our efforts.

Conclusion:

In an increasingly connected and fast-paced world, finding balance and taking care of ourselves is essential. Through practicing selfcare, we open doors to a more fulfilling, connected, and meaningful life. By genuinely caring for others, we extend that care to the world around us, fostering deeper relationships and a more compassionate society. Therefore, remember to make time to take care of yourself, disconnect from distractions, and value the importance of others. In doing so, we can become the best version of ourselves and positively impact the world around us.

Recommended books during the WUN YMCA work meeting.

In addition to these concepts, there are two books that may be particularly relevant for delving into the understanding of selfcare and finding meaning in our personal journey. These works are "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl and "Learning to Suffer" by Tal Ben-Shahar.

"Man's Search for Meaning" is a masterpiece written by Viktor Frankl, a psychiatrist and survivor of concentration camps during the Holocaust. The book explores the importance of finding purpose and meaning in our lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. Frankl argues that the meaning of life can be discovered through love, work, and facing adversity with courage and resilience. His humanistic approach and emphasis on the pursuit of personal purpose are fundamental to understanding selfcare as a journey of inner discovery.

In "Learning to Suffer," Tal Ben-Shahar, a renowned positive psychology professor, delves into the importance of dealing with life's difficulties and adversities in a healthy way. The author emphasizes that suffering is a part of the human condition, but it is possible to learn from these experiences and grow emotionally. The book offers insights on developing resilience, acceptance, and gratitude, as well as providing practical strategies to overcome challenges and promote emotional well-being.

Both books provide valuable perspectives on selfcare, highlighting the importance of finding purpose, meaning, and resilience in our lives. They invite us to reflect on how we face difficulties, take care of ourselves, and connect with the world around us. Reading these works can further enrich our understanding and practice of selfcare, inspiring us to live with authenticity, balance, and fulfillment.