Self-Care Toolkit: Resources to Help Rest and Recharge
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Even though your job is to take care of other people, it’s incredibly important for you to take care of yourself. But that can be a challenge when you finish your day feeling drained or have very little downtime, to begin with. So, instead of going through any extra effort, you find yourself opting for a night on the couch with a glass of wine (don’t get us wrong, though! A quiet night or midweek treat can also fill your cup, so to speak). But, resting and recharging is more than not doing your job. It’s giving yourself space to reflect inwardly, identify gaps in your personal and professional life and show up for yourself if anything needs to change.
Today, we’re providing you with resources that will both encourage and empower you to make yourself more of a priority. Among other things, these resources are designed to help you set boundaries, build confidence and make sure you’re feeling good about where you are in your wedding business journey. Read on for a round-up of our self-care ideas and resources.
Why self-care is important
Before we dive in, let’s talk about what self-care is and why it is important. According to the American Psychological Association, self-care has been defined as “providing adequate attention to one’s own physical and psychological wellness.” It is important for wedding pros to think about because being a wedding pro is hard mental and physical work—and this hard work means you can only do and be your best when you are healthy.
Of course, practicing self-care is much easier said than done because–you’re busy! There are a million things on your mind at any given time, and we’d wager that one of the last things you’d think about is logging off early to take a walk. But, practicing self-care requires a shift in mindset: you have to put yourself first in order to be the best pro (and person) you can be.
Continuing to show up for other people when you don’t take care of yourself first is unsustainable, and it will only lead to burnout. And the only way to do that is to make yourself a priority so you can be present in every part of your life. As the old saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup,” and self-care ensures that you have the tools you need to fill it up, even after your hardest day.
Your Self-Care Toolkit
Is work-life balance possible for wedding pros?
This question might hit close to home—especially if you’re in the thick of a busy wedding season. But as much as it can feel like a loaded question, it is an important one to ask since so many wedding pros tell us they struggle with balance. But balance can mean something different for everyone, and it’s up to you to define it for yourself. So, if you are looking for self-care ideas that will help you draw a clearer line between when you are on the clock and when you’re not, use this article as a jumping-off point.
Read more about work-life balance and self-care for wedding pros.
How to avoid burnout
Burnout can happen for a host of reasons, but when it does, it’s one of the worst things you can go through. When you’re burnt out, it’s hard to take care of yourself, find joy in what you do or give your couples the kind of care and experience you want. So, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to understand what burnout is so you can identify the warning signs—and avoid it altogether.
Read more about how to avoid burnout.
Overcoming imposter syndrome
If there is one thing we know is a confidence killer, it’s imposter syndrome. But the shocking reality is almost every wedding pro has or will deal with it at some point in their career. Maybe it’s because the wedding industry is very public and connected. Maybe it’s because we are constantly seeing the amazing projects other people get to work on. Whatever the reason, it’s time to shake it and know you are great at what you do!
Read more about imposter syndrome.
Setting boundaries: How to thrive while protecting your time
As much as you feel like you have all the time in the world, there are also days you feel the exact opposite. And when it comes to having enough time to run your business, rest and recharge, it’s imperative that you protect your time. That means setting boundaries and enforcing them (on yourself and others).
Watch the webinar replay about setting boundaries with Jasmine Smith.
Saying “no” to clients
One of the most uncomfortable conversations you might need to have with a client is centered around the word “no.” But, the reality is, saying no is the first step to enforcing your boundaries as well as having time for your own mental health and self-care. So, if you need to become better at saying it during conversations with your couples (or anyone else in your life), we’ve got resources to help you do just that.
Read more about how to say no to clients.
How to respond when you receive out-of-scope-requests
Many wedding pros are self-described “people pleasers.” And, regardless of where this tendency comes from, you need to leave them at the door when it comes to out-of-scope requests. We’ve all gotten them, but instead of your knee-jerk being to accommodate something that is unreasonable for you, empower yourself to have this hard conversation so you can protect your time.
Read more about how to respond when you receive out-of-scope requests.
Remember, your health and well-being are important. Use the resources above to make sure that you’re always taking care of yourself so you can be the best pro you can be.
Please note: WeddingPro and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute medical advice and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a medical professional about your specific circumstances. This information contained herein is not necessarily exhaustive, complete, accurate or up to date and we undertake no responsibility to update. In addition, we do not take responsibility for information contained in any external links, over which we have no control.
Photo Credit: simona pilolla 2 / Shutterstock.com
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