Katherine King
on Mastering the Habit
of Self Care
Listen:
Show Notes:
We’re living through a tumultuous time. A time when many of us are struggling to find time to take care of ourselves. And yet, self-care may have never been more important than it is now. So, what do we do if the needs of others have taken priority and there’s no time left for us? Are there simple ways to build self-care into our busy lives without adding to our to-do list?
This week, Kate and Alex have a lively and frank conversation about self-care and the many inner and outer obstacles to making it happen. They particularly explore Kate’s passion for helping people develop and sustain self-caring habits and provide some tips for getting over the blocks that might be getting in your way. They also weigh in on criticisms of the self-care ethos and explain why it isn’t a replacement for changing dysfunctional systems or relationships. Listen in for ideas about how to approach self-care with a sense of your own values along with a spirit of play, curiosity, and self-compassion.
Key Takeaways
- How Kate and Alex think about the criticisms of self-care and why it isn’t a replacement for making changes in an oppressive system
- The value in having social supports to help us stay on track
- How tracking your use of time and reflecting on what matters to you serve as the first steps in a successful self-care journey
- What it looks like to create a self-care plan from a more self-compassionate place
- Why self-talk is the most important aspect of self-care
- How backdraft triggers internal resistance to self-care and what we can do about it
- How to determine the best pathway for you to create a self-caring life
- How to identify potential obstacles to self-care (inner and outer) and create a plan to address those roadblocks
- Why Kate suggests starting with one small change vs. a total life makeover
- Why it’s beneficial to approach self-care with a spirit of play, curiosity and creativity
- Where to go to learn new skills that will help you navigate stress
- Why it’s crucial to check in with yourself regularly to assess your progress and celebrate success
- The most common struggles people face in building self-care into their lives
Connect with Kate
- Learn More about Kate's Self-Care Course
- Register for Kate’s 30-Minute Unwind
- Kate’s Blog on Realistic Self-Care
Other Resources
Disclaimer: Please note that the information shared in this podcast is strictly for educational purposes only, and is not intended as psychological treatment or consultation of any kind.
Recent Past Episodes:
Hosts:
Katherine King, PsyD
Katherine King, PsyD is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor of psychology at William James College. She was trained in evidence-based treatments within the Veterans’ Administration and has a private practice specializing in geropsychology. She is also a member of the Boston Shambhala Center Board of Directors, a vajrayana student of Buddhism, and has practiced meditation for over 20 years. Learn more about Kate at www.drkateking.com.
Alex Gokce, MSW
Alex Gokce, MSW has a master’s degree in social work from Salem State University and an undergraduate degree in Comparative Government from Harvard University. He has led psychotherapy groups on topics including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mind-body approaches to pain management. He has co-led programs at the Boston Shambhala Center on the topics of trauma and self-compassion. His personal and professional interests center around the individual, societal and intergenerational impacts of trauma, as well as the sociocultural roots of interpersonal harm.
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