Self-care: a priority, not a luxury

Let's be honest, this year has been tough. Whether due to work demands, family pressures, or the rising cost of living, many of us have felt the strain.

Even if you feel that this doesn't apply to you now, it’s likely to be relevant at some point for someone you care about. It’s important to acknowledge that feeling stressed or overwhelmed is a normal part of being human. There’s no shame in experiencing anxiety or struggling to cope.

I recently attended a Christian Women’s Conference where founder of Banyans Healthcare Ruth Limkin, delivered a keynote on burnout. Ruth spoke about the warning signs and symptoms of burnout, especially in high-pressure roles or during challenging periods in life.

According to recent research shared by Limkin, one in six workers globally experience stress daily in their workplace, with an additional 50 per cent reporting moderate to high stress levels. Yet, surprisingly, those feeling the most stressed are often the least likely to take time off or seek support.

In our own teams, this means many of us might be silently dealing with anxiety or burnout. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone.

What’s challenging is that people who appear to have it all together on the surface might be battling a relentless undercurrent of worry, imposter syndrome, or self-doubt.

Recognising anxiety can be difficult, especially when it becomes a constant in our lives. Some key signs to look out for include:

• persistent fatigue without a clear cause
• unexplained nervousness
• feelings of hopelessness
• difficulty relaxing or unwinding
• constantly ruminating on past mistakes or future worries
• physical symptoms like tension headaches, digestive issues, or insomnia.

If you’re experiencing any of these signs, consider reaching out for professional support or simply talking to someone you trust.

The good news is that anxiety is manageable with the right tools. Alongside professional help, mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises can be powerful in calming the mind.

I know that for me, practicing gratitude is a powerful way to reset my frame of mind. Another crucial strategy is to make use of your annual leave. It’s not only about getting time away from work, but also reframing our mindset around success and productivity. Rest and relaxation are not indulgences; they’re essential for sustainable success.

We’ve made significant progress in the conversation around mental health. It’s no longer taboo to admit we’re overwhelmed or in need of a mental health day. In fact, proactively addressing stress is now seen as a positive step toward workplace wellbeing. By adopting good self-care practices, we can protect ourselves from burnout and maintain a healthier balance in our lives.

One of the reasons I appreciate and enjoy my role at ACU, is because of the supportive community we have. While students are the heart of our institution, it’s the dedication of our staff that keeps ACU thriving each day.

Let’s commit to taking care of ourselves and each other, so we can continue to make ACU a welcoming and life-giving place for all.

Colleen Tracey
Staff Pastoral Associate, Brisbane