The Power of Rest and Play: A Lesson from Camping

Hey there, amazing parents!

I've just returned from a delightful four-day camping trip with my family and the experience reminded me of a valuable life lesson: the importance of scheduling time for rest and play, regardless of how busy our lives may be.

In today's fast-paced world, where responsibilities and commitments seem never-ending, it's easy to forget to prioritise self-care.

But just as we wouldn't say, "I've been so busy, I haven't eaten since last week!"

We shouldn't use busyness as an excuse to neglect our need for rest and play.

As a professional working with neurodivergent teens and adults, I've learned that taking care of myself is essential to being able to serve others effectively. I treat rest and play as equally important as any other aspect of my life.

When I notice I’m feeling a bit stressed or out of sorts - the acronym HALT is a good reminder for me. I ask myself - am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired? It’s amazing how I can forget the most basic things like eating, drinking lots of water or taking a rest when I’m so focused on others. Using HALT reminds me to put my self-care first and to recognise my needs in the moment.

Just as we wouldn't neglect eating when hungry, we shouldn't ignore frustrations when they come up, ignore our need for companionship when feeling lonely, or neglect rest when we are tired.

Self-care is not selfish; it's a fundamental part of maintaining our overall well-being.

To give my best to the adolescents and adults I work with, I make sure to prioritise time in my daily calendar for self-care activities like exercise (I love beach walks and climbing mountains), rest (day naps are definitely a thing even though I’m 49!), meditating (every single morning without fail), eating well (most of the time), and having some time to myself (an absolute must in my busy blended-family, neurodivergent household).

I’ve learnt that these are the things that keep me on an even keel, and I encourage all parents of neurodivergent teens, and especially working parents, to do the same. Find those things that keep you happy and well - and schedule them in your day. And schedule them FIRST - then do all of the other ‘important’ stuff.

Work and household chores are never-ending - they will literally always be there. If we wait until "everything else is done" to prioritise self-care, it will perpetually remain at the bottom of the list. And you deserve to be at the top of that list.

Remember, by taking care of yourself, you're not only ensuring your own well-being but also equipping yourself to be 100% ready to support and serve those who depend on you. So, go ahead and schedule some self-care time in your calendar—you've earned it. Your family, your work, and most importantly, you, will thank you for it.

x Christine O’Leary, Social Skills Australia