September is self-care awareness month!
Dr. Assael Romanelli argues in Psychology Today that self-care in relationships is actually relational care. He says that sometimes partners view self-care as prioritizing self over the relationship, but that’s not true. You can’t have a healthy relationship without taking care of yourself.
“A better you means a better us. You two are interdependent, and therefore self-care is also a relational win.”
We asked the Our.Love team members what they do for self-care:
“My morning ritual eases me into my day. I drink coffee, eat yogurt or fruit, read the news or sports, then review the day’s priorities. By the time I sit at my desk, I’m ready to rock and roll. I mitigate stress by exercising or walking and talking with my wife. It helps me work through items causing me stress. I feel the most joy when I’m with my wife and kids and we are having a good time together.” -Jon Passman, CEO
“Boundaries are important to my self-care routine and critical to overall mental wellness, especially if you are a people pleaser like me. Healthy boundaries empower me to have positive interactions. They also help me reduce stress, avoid burnout, balance work/life, and cope with unwelcoming situations, wherever they pop up in my life.” –Swati Gandhi, chief operating officer
“I am introverted so I love to spend time by myself, listening to music while visualizing the life I want to live or working toward my goals. I seek out art, music, movies or TV, poetry, drawing, and melancholy things. I also like visualizations, self-improvement, and learning new things.” -DeMyron Coleman, web and social media manager
“I mitigate stress through meditation and yoga. I take care of myself through nature hikes, swimming in the ocean, traveling, and reading fiction. I find joy in seeing old couples holding hands, playing with my dogs, spending time with my family, and talking to my partner about everything.” -Daniah Nair, head of customer experience
“I exercise when I’m feeling down. I also maintain my mental health by talking with my friends. It keeps me feeling connected and happy. My other self-care habit is taking deep breaths. This helps calm me and makes me more present with a clearer mind.” -Bruno Pontes, relationship research & marketing analyst
“Every day I meditate and walk outside. I love to walk by the ocean and listen to the waves. My greatest stress reliever is social support. I love to laugh and cry with my soulmates. It brings me joy to be with my three adult children. I love watching them learn, change, grow, and find their happiness.” -Dr. Keely Sikes-Rollings, science consultant and podcast host
“I take stock of my mental state on a weekly basis. I try to connect with family or friends routinely. I try to exercise in the gym or go walking every other day.” –James E. Thompson, director of content development
“I eat healthy and take daily walks with my dog, listening to music, being creative, learning new things, and reading. Relational care helps me thrive…through quality time with my partner, close friends, and family; building community; traveling and exploring new places; and belly laughing!” -Marie Gettel-Gilmartin, head of communications and content creation
What are YOU doing for self-care and relational care? Send us your ideas!
