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Self-Care: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

MAY 29, 2025 – In today’s fast-paced world, where constant busyness is the norm, making time for personal well-being often falls to the bottom of the priority list and is treated as an afterthought. However, self-care is not simply about indulgence—it is a vital component of maintaining balance between life’s responsibilities and personal health. When neglected, stress can accumulate, potentially leading to burnout, anxiety, and even physical health issues.

Self-care is the intentional practice of nurturing mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves recognizing individual needs and taking proactive steps to meet them before exhaustion sets in. Contrary to popular belief, self-care is not selfish—it is a foundational part of living a healthy, fulfilling life.

Incorporating self-care into a daily routine does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. The key lies in identifying what works best for each person and committing to it consistently. Self-care generally falls into several core categories:

  • Physical: Prioritizing sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, taking walks, and staying hydrated.
  • Professional: Setting career goals, pursuing further education, leaving work-related stress at work, and learning to say “no” professionally.
  • Emotional: Regularly checking in with emotions and expressing them in healthy ways through journaling, therapy, or talking with trusted individuals.
  • Mental: Stimulating the mind with reading, learning new skills, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring adequate rest.
  • Social: Spending time with supportive people and setting boundaries when necessary.
  • Spiritual: Finding peace and meaning through practices such as meditation, prayer, or connecting with nature.

Self-care is a deeply personal experience and does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. To gain insight into how individuals apply self-care in their lives, behavioral health staff at Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center were asked to share their experiences:

What does self-care look like, and how is time made for it?
“Self-care looks like a vacation to the beach and incorporating it on my planned days off.” – Louis Baldwin, inpatient behavioral health registered nurse, CRDAMC

What is one self-care habit that feels essential?
“Doing my skin care.” – Pvt. 1st Class Shanik Pizzutillo, inpatient behavioral health technician, CRDAMC

Has there been a struggle to prioritize self-care, and how was it overcome?
“I have struggled with self-care multiple times. I usually try to surround myself with people who help keep me accountable. On days when I don’t feel like talking to anyone but know I’m not feeling like myself, I try to think about what would make me feel better in that moment and do it—whether it’s taking a shower, going outside, cleaning my room, or something else.” – Kayla Kunz, noncommissioned officer-in-charge, inpatient behavioral health, CRDAMC

To experience the full benefits of self-care, it must become a regular practice rather than an occasional luxury. Simple strategies can help make self-care a daily habit:

  • Set aside personal time without guilt.
  • Decline activities that drain energy.
  • Engage in hobbies that bring joy.
  • Prioritize rest and relaxation.

Caring for oneself not only enhances personal well-being but also improves the ability to be present and effective in other aspects of life. Rather than waiting for burnout, it is essential to treat self-care as an ongoing commitment—a daily investment in mental and emotional health. Self-care is not about doing everything; it is about doing what helps an individual feel balanced, recharged, and grounded. And above all, self-care is not selfish—it is essential.

If you’re ever feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, you can call or text 988 anytime to talk to someone who’s there to help and if it’s more serious or urgent, please head to your local emergency room. You’re never alone, and there’s always support out there.

Story by Rodney Jackson
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center

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Navy Unit Celebrates Its Diamond Anniversary

JUNE 12, 2025 – The Naval Ordnance Test Unit celebrated 75 years since being established on June 1, 1950. To help celebrate this historic event, the NOTU Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department hosted a free country-music concert at Cape Canaveral Space Station, Florida. This concert, which took place June 7 near the USS Nathanael Greene […]

Air National Guard Unveils New Bonus Program

MARCH 11, 2023 – On March 1st, the Air National Guard (ANG) launched a new bonus program to attract and retain personnel in critical specialties. The initiative offers significant financial rewards, with bonuses of up to $90,000 for eligible members, depending on their Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSCs). This strategic move aims to strengthen the […]

Education Benefits Make Stronger Service Members

APRIL 3, 2025 – Within the armed forces, a variety of educational benefits are available that allow service members to both improve themselves and make themselves more valuable to their service branch. One example is the Military Tuition Assistance Program. The program is available to enlisted personnel, officers and warrant officers in the Army, Navy, […]

Former Soldier Navigates Job Hunt

NOVEMBER 19, 2024 — In early 2017, Michael Quinn endured what he called the worst day in the worst year of his life. Quinn, then a sergeant major and 24-year Army Soldier, had weathered deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Philippines. As an Army counter-intelligence agent, he said he learned to operate under grave circumstances […]

Step-By-Step Guide to Military Financial Stability

APRIL 8, 2025 — Financial challenges are a reality for many families, especially while serving. However, the following few simple steps can lay a solid financial foundation. Create a budget and stick to it.Setting a budget is essential to prevent financial hardships. When you do not track income and expenses it usually leads to overspending. […]

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