by Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals
Self Care Is Not Selfish
During the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has emerged as a public leader. Talk about a particularly stressful job! Yet, he seems remarkably grounded. One reporter described Fauci, 79 years old, as “fit and vital.” I explored how Fauci engages in self-care, gleaning clues from interviews, news reports, and observations.
In the spirit of physical distancing, here are six self-care Fauci “feet-ures” (Wink!) we can emulate.
1. Wash our hands!
Self-care is a much more complex concept than often conveyed. Concomitantly, many self-care strategies are simple. Basic hygiene is one such element. As Fauci reiterates, we are healthier (and save lives!) by simply practicing basic hygiene in daily routines.
On a related note, do you forget to go to the bathroom? That’s a basic indicator of poor attention to self-care. So, let’s go to the bathroom when needed and wash our hands. And, as another self-care practice, be grateful for toilet paper!
2. Eat well, sleep better, move more (especially six feet away).
Fauci’s partner of 35 years, who’s a nurse and bioethicist, described how they’re trying to stay well. Along with washing hands and physical distancing, they’re focusing on resting, eating well, and hydrating. They prioritize exercise, taking walks together as often as possible.
Especially in a crisis, it’s tempting to forego these human needs. Yet, our bodies need this attention even more. Let’s recommit to routines that include these basics.
3. Remember life is a marathon—with times for sprints and power walks.
Fauci, a marathon runner, typically integrates 7-mile runs in his work-day. Thus, he’s developed endurance, discipline, and mindfulness. During this crisis, working 20-hour days, his runs have become shortened power walks.
Self-care is a lifestyle. Using a marathon metaphor, our lifestyle needs to include building up endurance, investing in a reservoir of energy, anticipating times for sprints, and valuing power walks as “good enough” self-care.
4. Have accountability partners.
As noted above, Fauci relies on his partner to remind him to take care. Their routines encourage each other to integrate self-care. We all need people in our lives to hold us accountable for our self-care.
Let’s recommit to finding that support system and being that support for others.
5. Practice your vocation.
Fauci has served in six presidential administrations. He received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his work to advance HIV-AIDS treatment. He has a reputation of competence and integrity. Fauci was advised early in his career to act as if every day in his job could be his last, in part, because “I’m going to tell…the truth.” Frequently, Fauci clarifies that his role is not that of a politician, but a scientist. During the HIV-AIDS pandemic, Fauci was criticized by both progressive and conservative activists. He’s received similar criticism in this crisis, including death threats. When asked about these stresses, Fauci calmly said, “This is the life I’ve chosen. It’s my job.”
Fauci has been tapped for several promotions. But he retains his current position, because he enjoys the work. David Whyte rightfully compares ambition’s false “frozen desire” with vocation’s “authentic watermark.” Fauci seems not driven by ambition, but rather dedicated to vocation.
Often, self-care includes navigating the stressors of incongruences between job demands and personal integrity. Fauci’s keys: Tell the truth. Know your role. Do what you think is right. Follow your vocation.
6. Nurture self-care through integrated identities.
To some, Fauci has a poor work-life balance. But the framing of work-life balance is problematic. Clearly, he’s deeply invested in his work and appears to have the life balance he desires, overall. Fauci has other identities that complement his vocation. He’s a dedicated runner, moral being, father to three daughters, and married to a partner with shared values.
This crisis is an impetus for considering our integrated identities. Amongst various identities, I’m a social worker, teacher-learner, writer, reader, walker, activist, traveler, partner, and Village/Heart Family member. These identities support and are enriched by self-care. Let’s commit to integrating self-care as who we are, in our life, not something to add.
In this unprecedented crisis, and beyond, these Fauci “Feet-ures” can be steps in our shared self-care movement.
Peace, Love, & Self-Care,
Erlene
Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC. This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals. As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!