3 Simple Strategies to Fill Your Cup

The number of articles and posts on self-care have exploded in recent years. A popular hashtag is self care Sunday. While it’s great to have a defined day to think about your self-care, filling your cup is more than just a weekly event. Having a consistent practice to restore and recharge is essential to maintaining a satisfying career. Here are a few strategies to consider adding to your routine:

1. A daily ritual - create a daily ritual that works for you. It’s important that you find something meaningful to you. One of my favorite rituals is a to make a cup of herbal tea in a beautiful mug and/or teapot. The warmth I feel as I hold the cup in my hand or the aroma I smell as I pour the tea from the pot all help me to bring my attention to the present moment. It’s a simple way for me to slow down and pay attention to what’s happening in my inner world; making space for a personal check-in. Talk to others you admire to spark inspiration for your own ideas. The goal is to have a menu of practices that allow you to resource yourself in healthy ways.


2. Carve out time for reflection - it’s easy to get caught up in the day to day tasks  of work which can keep us in the weeds and separated from the big picture...why we do the work we do. Making space and time to reconnect with the reason that we do what we do and the impact that it has can help us show up in more engaged ways and to not sweat the small stuff (or at least sweat it less). A few questions I ask myself are, what helped me to connect to what mattered this week? What do I need to let go of to shift my perspective? How can I show up in a way that inspires others?
3. Find like-minded people - virtual work has many advantages and yet it can sometimes be isolating. We are humans who are designed for connection. Having a sense of community is important. It reminds us that we are not alone. Sharing stories with others provides a reminder that we are not the only one who experiences life and work challenges. If you don’t have community, find a group that you can contribute to and receive support and encouragement. If you can’t find one, start one. If you are a physician and interested in support on your journey, you’re invited to join my private Facebook community, The Physician Path Reimagined.

Whether you choose one or more of the above strategies or implement ideas inspired by this article, decide to be proactive about nurturing your own career well-being. Create a personalized plan that works for you.

What strategies do you use to help you fill your cup?