Beat the Mid-Season Slump with These Four Self-Care Tips!

​When you don’t take care of yourself, it becomes difficult to take care of others. The middle of the summer, the middle of camp season, can easily turn into a chaotic stress fest for those involved in creating the whole summer camp experience. Whether you run a camp or a small group, make sure to take a breath and take care of yourself this summer. You’ll thank yourself… and so will your campers.

Make Breaks Count. According to Psychology Today, self-care means “choosing behaviors that balance the effects of emotional and physical stressors.” When you have a break during the day, even if it’s only half an hour, make it count. Use your break time to take care of yourself in whatever way best balances against the stressors you have been experiencing. Too much running around? Meditate or quietly read a book. Not enough energy? Enjoy a healthy snack and a cat nap.

Get Enough Sleep. One of the most important elements of a healthy lifestyle is sleep. It can be so tempting to spend all your nights catching up on work, stressing about the little things, or even, on a more positive note, hanging out with other staff. While all of these things are worth doing, they should not be done to the detriment of your health. If you notice your eyes getting droopy or your coffee cravings increasing, make sure you focus on what’s important: sleep. You--and everyone else around you--will thank you.
 
Make Relaxation a Priority. Everyone has that “one thing” that helps calm them. Mine’s cross-stitch. Others enjoy cooking, yoga, organizing their planners, or a plethora of other tasks. When you have a moment to yourself, quiet that little voice in your head which says you should do something more “practical.” Your health is practical. Doing your “one thing” will help you calm and focus yourself, putting you in a better mindset to face the rest of your day!
 
Sneak Your Favorite Things Into Your Schedule. I’m not talking about a chocolate bar stashed in your fanny pack here. I’m talking about your favorite things: watching the sunrise, running through sprinklers, making daisy chains… There is something magical about being able to not only do your favorite things, but being able to do them with others. Camp gives you that opportunity. Do a little digging and figure out how activities get planned at your camp. Can you volunteer to organize and lead an activity? You'll get to teach others something you love, someone else doesn’t have to lead it, and campers get the chance to experience one of your favorite things! It’s a win-win-win.
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