Following on from yesterday's insightful chat with Rachel Story, I have had the pleasure of speaking with the amazing Kirsti Buick, Junior Fitness Editor of Women's Health Magazine. An editor, PT and total advocate for body confidence she uses her platform to speak honestly about fitness and bravely about her own health which in turn helps women who may silently be struggling too. Here Kirsti tells us how she makes time for Self-Care and why we should prioritise it…
What does self-care mean to you?
So much of our lives involve prioritising other things – work, kids, partners, friends. Self-care is about setting those things aside for a little while and doing something you need. And no, I don’t think that exclusively means bubble baths and face masks. It could be a workout, a trip to the doctor you’ve been putting off, a few chapters of a good book. It’s something that serves you.
Why do you think prioritising our wellbeing is important?
Chronic stress impacts our performance and our relationships – we know that it can have serious health consequences too. It may be counterintuitive, but taking time out and making space for ourselves to reset and recharge can actually make us more productive, and better able to deal with any professional and personal challenges that might come our way.
How do you make time for self-care around busy schedules, work, and general life admin?
Exercise is my self-care must, and I’ve made it an absolute non-negotiable in my schedule. It energises me, helps me concentrate and means I sleep better too. I’d say creating a routine and planning ahead has helped me do that. Sure, it means I have to go to bed and wake up a little earlier, and there are days when I seriously don’t feel like it (when it’s my body and not just a bout of laziness urging me to give it a miss, I listen and have a lie-in) but I always feel better for it. Taking that time to focus on me is how I show myself love and respect.
What do you do to relax and rebalance?
As I said, workouts are my self-care go-to, but also in regular rotation are pre-bed yoga flows, silly phone calls with my family back in South Africa, actually taking my lunch break (it’s a lost art) and spending an evening with my nose in a good book. Another really important form of self-care that I don’t think gets enough airtime is saying no – turning down social events when you’d rather have a night in, and letting go of old relationships that have become a bit one-sided. Admittedly, I’m still working on that one.
How do you know when you need to take time out to focus on your wellbeing?
With me it can manifest quite physically – I hold tension in my neck, shoulders and back and getting stressed out can often cause me physical pain. I also battle to sleep well and concentrate, which generally only makes matter worse. I know how easy it is to slip into the cycle – which is why I’m fiercely protective of my me-time.