Self-care Day: looking after you

Recognising this, Self-care Month, which culminates in Self-day Day on 24 July, is designed to remind people to prioritise their healthcare and renew their commitments to looking after themselves

This is important for practitioners, especially with 2023 AOP member survey results reporting that one in three members said that they struggle with stress, managing their workload, and too much administration.

The 24 July date was chosen to highlight that self-care can be practiced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Ahead of Self-care Day, we asked practitioners what one regular commitment they make to their own self-care that ensures their glass is suitably topped up

1 Bhavin Shah, optometrist and owner of Central Vision Opticians

“In an increasingly busy and fast-paced world, I try to combine activities to maintain and recharge my mental and physical batteries. Learning new things has always brought me joy and keeps the grey matter ticking over. So everyday I listen to an audio book (or podcast) on a topic or subject that I’m curious about.

“I’m also a big believer in the health benefits of regular movement and exercise, so I’ve committed to parking my car at least 20 minutes away from my practice every day. I combine walking with listening to an audio book or podcast. This helps charge my mind and body for the day ahead, and the return walk helps me switch off from the work day and be more present when I arrive at home. I love sharing knowledge, so I’ll discuss with (and be challenged by) my wife and daughters what I’ve learnt that day over a family dinner.” 

2 Sofia Fazal, optometrist

“Being able to relax and take time out is fundamental for my personal wellbeing. Whether I have been in practice, in meetings or working on documents for a project, I always make time for my ‘alone’ time. Precious time for self-reflection and switching off allows me to maintain everyday balance.

“In recent years I have reconnected with my passion for reading. Not technical or educational content, but fiction. It helps me escape from the deliverables and structure of life. For some time, I am flown away to a different place and fully emerged into the storytellers’ words and characters’ lives.

“Being constantly around people during the working day, this precious alone time is so very special and ensures I keep my outlook positive.” 

Sometimes I listen to a podcast to help take my mind off work and refocus; other times I might be singing along to Taylor Swift or whatever other musical obsession that has taken me over

3 Karan Vyas, Newmedica optometrist in Lincolnshire, and an AOP Councillor

“One of the advantages of working at Newmedica is its commitment to wellbeing. In many jobs it is difficult to get this balance. However, at Newmedica, it is seen as an important foundation for colleagues and delivering patient care.

“For me, self-care starts during my commute home from work. It gives me the chance to reflect and unwind in the solitude of my car. Sometimes I listen to a podcast to help take my mind off work and refocus; other times I might be singing along to Taylor Swift or whatever other musical obsession that has taken me over.

“At home my enjoyment stems from simple things such as a walk to clear my mind or bringing out my inner James Martin and experimenting with a new recipe in the kitchen.”

4 Gavin Rebello, optometrist, company director, and business mentor at Holland Opticians, a Hakim Group independent practice

“The one regular commitment I make to my own self-care is my morning routine. It sets me up for my day, on the front foot, so I feel I am moving forward on the curved balls that come with practice ownership and leadership.

“My alarm goes off twice, five mins apart. I start my morning meditation (I use the app Calm), and then do 10 mins of Duolingo, which engages my brain. I feel like I am learning and achieving a goal before I have even got out of bed.

“Then it is time for reflection. I review my “today to-do” list, which I have prepared in advance. I think about what I want to achieve that day, so it is front of mind. I review the positives of yesterday. I look for the silver lining or simply the learning from anything that didn’t go to plan.

“Then my old-school alarm goes off – it’s outside the bedroom, so I have no choice but to get out of bed to switch it off, and so my day starts. Repeating this routine each day ensures I am ready for whatever the day brings.”

5 Daniel Green, dispensing training manager for Specsavers

“After a busy day at work, I find a great way to unwind is through Muay Thai. This martial art gives me an intense workout that boosts me both physically and mentally. It’s an excellent way to clear my mind and blow off steam. But it’s not just about the physical benefits. Training with a bunch of like-minded people creates a real sense of community. We push each other, share tips, and celebrate progress together, which often leads to lasting friendships. Muay Thai keeps me fit and connected, making it a key part of myself-care routine.”

As a self-confessed obsessive over-thinker, having my ducks neatly in a row at the start of each day reduces the chances of my poor little brain getting too discombobulated

6 Dr Ian Beasley, AOP head of education and OT clinical editor

“Like so much in life – whether it’s in the political arena, a marriage proposal, or executing that all important penalty kick – timing is everything.

And ‘timing’ is something I embed into my life, every single day– from the time I get up, to when I take my first (and last) ‘bite’ of the day, scheduling my exercise routine, extracting my self from the digital world, and deciding when to lay my head on the pillow.

“The health benefits of taking such an approach are widely reported, and having this sense of order helps me to plan the main components of my day. As a self-confessed obsessive over-thinker, having my ducks neatly in a row at the start of each day reduces the chances of my poor little brain getting too discombobulated when things don’t quite go to plan. It seems to work for me.”

Read further articles on destress hacks and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.