Why self care is part of self management
- Written by: Grace Beaumont — Development Officer
- Published: 13th May 2020
ALLIANCE Development Officer Grace reflects on self care and its importance as part of a wider self management routine.
In the last few years the topic of self care and wellbeing has been widely discussed. The isolation and fear that came with COVID-19 has made practicing self care more important than ever. This looks different for everyone, but the single most important part of this is, I believe, being kind to yourself.
The line between self management and self care is blurry. At the ALLIANCE we say self management means people are ‘in the driving seat’ of their own health, meaning they are also supported by the people around them, whereas I would suggest self care is something you do by yourself, for yourself.
No matter what you call it, looking after ourselves as well as others is vitally important so that we don’t burn out. Living in a pandemic is stressful and we need to be more kind, more patient and set clear boundaries with ourselves and others in our lives.
Before the pandemic, most of us went somewhere away from our home to work. Having a commute can help to clear your mind and provided a mental as well as a physical separation between home and working life. It is important to find a routine that works for you and to be clear on when you are working and when you are not. This is an important aspect of wellbeing as the creep of work into your personal life can increase stress, wreak havoc with your sleep and lead to lower mood and productivity.
Establishing a routine which incorporates work, play and rest is one of the most effective ways you can take care of yourself, improve mood and maintain your physical and mental health. In the newest Wellbeing Wednesday, you can get to grips with Pain Association’s ‘Self Management Bootcamp’ which takes you through all of the most important parts of effective self management and self care.
It is also important to recognise your limits and make time to check in with yourself. Mindfulness works for some people, if you would like to try it then we have a podcast on colouring for mindfulness that offers a short taster. This is a good way to relax, clear your mind, and notice any invasive thoughts which may help you deal with them.
Make time for yourself, be kind to yourself and recognise the importance of self care as part of your self management.
End of page.
End of page.
You may also like:
Isabella Goldie of Deafblind Scotland reflects on the value of partnership work.
Continue readingFind out more about the inaugural Power of Attorney Day taking place on 22 April 2026.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed reflects on 20 years of the Scottish Sensory Hub, the important work they do and why it matters.
Continue readingAs part of our 20 year anniversary, Kerry shares her reflections on how far the ALLIANCE has come, our achievements, and our impact.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on 20 years since Scotland moved to put children at the centre of policy.
Continue readingCancer care in Scotland is at a critical moment. Macmillan is calling for urgent action ahead of the parliamentary elections in May
Continue readingMhairi Campbell reflects on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) not being recognised as having a severe impact on life.
Continue readingLucy Mulvagh shares how she used the Centre for Public Policy Practice Fellowship to examine prevention and its barriers to implementation
Continue readingLaura from Perth and Kinross HSCP shares how we can celebrate World Social Work Day through the lens of 'What Matters To You?'.
Continue readingReflections on the Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education) Bill
Continue readingLouise Hall from Pain Association Scotland reflects on the event she delivered as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingAct Now for Autistic Rights calls for a transformative Bill for autistic and neurodiverse communities
Continue readingIn the next decade, the role of digital in health and social care must embed our digital human rights principles to reduce inequalities.
Continue readingRead some reflections from ALLIANCE colleagues, who had the opportunity to sponsor and attend Scotland's Annual Human Rights Conference.
Continue reading“Our Collective Voice” is a hopeful vision for the next five years, and I encourage ALLIANCE members to bring it into their own campaigns.
Continue readingBy standing together, we can help ensure that everyone in Scotland has access to the compassionate, high quality palliative care.
Continue readingALLIANCE Scottish Sensory Hub Manager Dr Hannah Tweed reflects on the launch of the BSL network for public bodies.
Continue readingSimone Janse van Rensburg reflects on the impact of their Women Living Well event which featured as part of Self Management Week 2025.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingWellbeing Scotland’s Chief Clinical Officer Ashleigh Ronald highlights why we must shift stigmatising narratives around child abuse.
Continue readingAs we mark twenty years of the ALLIANCE, Person Centred Voices continues to show the power of listening, kindness and connection.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue reading