Somewhere along the lines, we have been taught to put ourselves last, if not very close to it. But, caring for yourself isn’t self-indulgence, it’s self-preservation.
In order to serve others, you must fill your bucket first. Imagine self-care as filling your pitcher. Visualize a bucket full of water. The bucket is representative of all of your time, energy, and responsibilities. All day long you take a cup of water out of the bucket for each person that you help or responsibility that you take care of. At the end of the day, how much water would be left? If the bucket is empty, there is no more water to take for ourselves. If we practice self-care, that is the equivalent of adding water back into the bucket, instead of taking it out. With water left in our bucket, we are able to be our best selves.
So what refills your bucket? What are the small daily things that give you a lift, that replenish your energy when it’s low, that make you smile and feel lighter? Just as you care for your physical health, it’s equally important to care for your mental health. Take a moment and take the brief depression screening below to determine if additional support is needed.
If you scored over 10, it is recommended to follow up with a licensed mental health provider for a more in-depth assessment.
