Chapter 1: The Reality of Work Culture

Rain pours steadily outside my office window, a phenomenon known as an atmospheric river. This narrow band of clouds unleashes an extraordinary amount of rainfall in a brief period, while the gentle wind makes the water sound like a cascading fountain against the glass.

Inside, however, a different kind of storm is brewing. One of my students sits across from me, her eyes puffy from tears as she recounts her recent challenges. She is currently an intern at a community agency, the final step in her journey to becoming a licensed mental health counselor.

Though she is driven by a desire to help others, the harsh realities of her work environment are far from the warm, fulfilling experiences she envisioned. The overwhelming demands of modern work leave many feeling burnt out and overwhelmed.

She mentions her efforts at “self-care,” which include hiking with friends, reading fiction, and playing with her dog. When I ask if she'd engage in these activities if she weren't feeling burnt out, she quickly affirms she would. My response is clear: “These activities are not just for when you're burnt out; they should be for you. You need self-defense strategies against burnout!”

Section 1.1: A Misunderstood Concept

Self-care is often oversimplified and commercialized, frequently misrepresented as mere relaxation or pampering. While these elements are important, true self-care extends beyond massages or leisurely walks on the beach.

Self-care comprises two essential aspects: a gentle approach and a firmer approach. Both are crucial to our overall well-being and resilience.

True self-care should be a deliberate pursuit of our values, enabling us to connect with our potential and nurture our well-being. In today's fast-paced world, diverse self-care strategies are necessary.

Many discussions about self-care stop short at suggesting relaxing activities, leaving workers to face the ongoing grind of demanding jobs and stressful environments without adequate support.

Section 1.2: Understanding Work Culture

In 1997, burnout researchers Christina Maslach and Michael Leiter observed that economic interests often overshadow human values in the workplace. Sadly, this trend has only intensified over the years.

Today, we witness the expansion of job roles, increased competitive pressures, and an unyielding pursuit of profit—an ethos that pervades various sectors, from corporate environments to education and healthcare.

The darker aspects of work culture, rooted in a system that prioritizes profits over people, contribute to widespread burnout. The relentless push for efficiency often leads to the exploitation of workers, who may feel dehumanized and undervalued.

Contemporary workers must actively resist this toxic culture. Soft self-care methods alone are insufficient to combat the pressures of modern work environments.

Self-care must be viewed as a form of self-defense against a culture that can spiral into exploitation and unfairness.

Chapter 2: Self-Care as a Form of Resistance

Self-care as self-defense empowers workers to safeguard themselves against a work culture that often disregards their well-being. It advocates for a shift toward more humane and cooperative workplace environments.

Here are some essential skills for advocating for a healthier workplace:

• Highlighting Burnout Causes: Burnout is not merely an individual issue; it results from the interplay between work environments and individual experiences. Workers and organizations must share the responsibility for creating healthier workplaces.
• Addressing Work Overload: An increasing workload is a significant predictor of burnout. Workers should seek creative solutions, such as comp-time or collaborative efforts, to manage heavy workloads effectively.
• Advocating for Control: A lack of autonomy in the workplace can lead to dissatisfaction. Workers should push for more discretion in their roles, as research indicates that autonomy contributes to job satisfaction.
• Fostering Workplace Community: As loyalty to organizations diminishes, building a supportive workplace culture becomes essential. Engaging in meaningful conversations can strengthen workplace relationships.
• Setting Clear Boundaries: The blending of personal and professional lives can be detrimental. It's crucial to establish boundaries that allow for personal time and prevent burnout.
• Promoting Transparent Communication: Encouraging clear language in workplace discussions can help demystify harmful practices and foster a more supportive environment.

The video titled "Physical self-protection is not fighting" elaborates on understanding self-defense in a broader context, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional resilience in navigating difficult environments.

The video "Would you call THIS self care?" challenges conventional notions of self-care, urging viewers to reflect on what true self-care means in the context of today's demanding world.