“I will prioritize my physical and mental health
as I work to build a better world.”
This statement is more than a mantra—it’s a vital reminder for every change maker who feels the weight of the world on their shoulders. We step into this work driven by a deep desire to create justice, equity, and opportunity for all. But often, in the rush to transform the world around us, we neglect the world within us.
The truth is simple but often overlooked: you cannot pour from an empty cup. When your mind is clouded by exhaustion, your body drained of energy, and your spirit dimmed by neglect, your ability to create change is diminished. The best work comes from the best version of yourself, and that requires nurturing the very vessel through which your impact flows—you.
Why Prioritizing Yourself Isn’t Selfish
In the nonprofit and activist worlds, there’s a pervasive culture of martyrdom. Sacrificing sleep, skipping meals, and burning the midnight oil are often seen as badges of honor. But this approach is unsustainable and, frankly, counterproductive.
• When you take care of your physical health, you’re building the stamina to meet challenges head-on. Regular movement, proper nutrition, and rest aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities for resilience.
• Tending to your mental health sharpens your focus, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Whether it’s meditation, therapy, or simply setting boundaries, tending to your mind allows you to navigate complexity with clarity.
• Honoring your spirit keeps you connected to your “why.” Without reflection and renewal, even the most passionate advocates risk losing touch with the very purpose that fuels them.
The Ripple Effect of Self-Care
When you take care of yourself, it’s not just you who benefits. Your renewed energy and focus spill over into your work. You make better decisions. You engage more meaningfully with colleagues, partners, and the communities you serve. You model a sustainable approach to leadership, showing others that caring for themselves is part of creating change—not separate from it.
Self-care also disrupts a toxic cycle. If we perpetuate the myth that change-making requires constant self-sacrifice, we create a system where only the most privileged—those with external support systems or fewer personal challenges—can stay in the fight for the long haul. Prioritizing your well-being is a radical act of equity, ensuring more voices, perspectives, and bodies can stay at the table.
Making Self-Care Actionable
Incorporating self-care into your life as a change maker doesn’t mean overhauling everything overnight. Start small:
• Schedule your rest. Treat sleep and downtime with the same respect as a meeting or deadline.
• Set boundaries. Learn to say no when you need to protect your energy. Your time is finite; use it wisely.
• Build a support system. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and remind you of your humanity.
• Check in with yourself. Regularly assess how you’re feeling—physically, mentally, emotionally—and adjust as needed.
A Better You, A Better World
Building a better world is the work of a lifetime, and that requires endurance. By prioritizing your health and well-being, you’re not stepping back from the work—you’re stepping up to it as your best self.
Join me in making self-care a priority for 2025.
So, repeat after me: “I will prioritize my physical and mental health as I work to build a better world.” Believe it. Live it. Because the world doesn’t just need you—it needs the best, brightest, and healthiest version of you.
What steps will you take this week to honor your well-being? Share them below—I’d love to hear how you’re committing to showing up as your best self!
Happy New Year!
Barbara
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