Course 3: Self-Care
Self-Care as a Wellness Tool
Welcome to Course Three of the Wellness Walk.
Self-care is often misunderstood as something “extra” we do only when we have a spare moment. In reality, self-care is an essential part of maintaining emotional, mental, and physical wellness. Many people neglect self-care until burnout or stress signals that their well-being needs attention. This session is designed to help you understand self-care, reflect on your own habits, and practice intentional self-care in ways that feel meaningful and achievable.
This session is broken into three simple parts: Reveal, Reflect, and React. Each part is designed to be manageable and intentional.
Why Self-Care Matters
Self-care is not selfish—it is a necessity. Taking care of yourself helps prevent burnout, reduces stress, and allows you to show up more fully in your daily life. Burnout can happen when we constantly give to others or push ourselves without pause. By prioritizing self-care, we create space to recharge and build resilience.
Examples of Self-Care Practices:
Physical: Going for a walk, stretching, drinking enough water, and taking a relaxing bath.
Emotional: Journaling, talking with a trusted friend, setting healthy boundaries.
Mental: Reading, practicing mindfulness, limiting screen time.
Spiritual: Prayer, attending a church service, spending quiet time reflecting, reading scripture.
Creative/Leisure: Drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, gardening.
Key Points:
Self-care can be simple and does not need to take a lot of time.
Everyone’s self-care needs are unique. What works for one person may not work for another. For example, one person might find cooking to be an act of self-care, while for someone else, it could feel like the opposite because it is a daily obligation.
Small, consistent practices are more sustainable than large, occasional efforts.
Definition of Burnout
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress or feeling overwhelmed. It often happens when someone is constantly giving their energy without enough time to rest or care for themselves.
What burnout may look like in your life:
Feeling constantly tired, drained, or unmotivated
Experiencing frustration, irritability, or emotional numbness
Having trouble focusing or making decisions
Feeling hopeless or that nothing they do makes a difference
Neglecting self-care, basic needs, or healthy routines
Withdrawing from friends, family, or community support
Today's Task: Please Watch This Short Video on Self-Care and Burnout
As you watch, remember this session is meant to be encouraging rather than stressful. Notice any ideas that resonate with you and think about areas in your life that may benefit from intentional self-care.