Psychologist Agnes Wainman explains self-care as “something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.” As a funeral director, you are constantly overextending yourself to help families during their time of need. Though this work is rewarding, it can also become draining.

When funeral directors don’t make time for self-care, they don’t get the chance to refuel themselves, which can lead to job fatigue and burnout. That’s why this upcoming new year is the perfect time to try to practice more self-care. Below we are sharing simple ways you can get started!

Eat Food That Makes You Feel Good

Eat good, feel good is a motto everyone should live by. When you eat nutritious foods, you feel more energized and ready to take on the day. Check out our guide to healthy eating to learn more!

Of course, it’s okay to treat yourself to something more indulgent every so often. Moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle.

Make Time to Get Active

Exercise comes with all sorts of benefits such as lowering the risk of heart disease, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving your mental health and mood. So, if you’re feeling stressed, getting active may help you feel better.

If the gym isn’t your thing, try a different activity such as biking, hiking, kayaking, or swimming. The key is finding exercise you enjoy. And if you’re swamped at work, try some of these deskercises.

Find a Hobby You Truly Enjoy

This can tie in with the advice above if you’re interested in finding a hobby that also keeps you active. However, there are many other hobbies out there. For instance, fishing is a great way to clear your mind while enjoying the outdoors. Or, you could try a ceramics class to tap into your inner artist. This list of hobbies will help you find the perfect one for you!

Take That Nap You Deserve

Feeling drained after a busy week? Lay down and take a 20-minute nap for a recharge. A short nap can help you feel reenergized, lower stress, and boost your mood. Just make sure to not nap much longer, or you may wake up feeling more tired and groggy.

In addition to taking short naps, make sure you are getting enough sleep. Adults typically need between 7-9 hours of sleep each night.

Surround Yourself with People You Enjoy

Finally, when you’re off the clock, make sure you’re keeping good company. Funeral directors have limited time to spare, so it’s important that you are surrounding yourself with people who bring you happiness. Likewise, enjoying some alone time is important too. It’s all about deciding what you need in that moment in order to feel at ease.

Want some more self-care ideas? Download our free eBook!