“Self-Care: Why Do We Need This Discussion?” (Under the Juniper Tree S15E1)

January 27, 2022

Host: Andrew Crowe | Released Thursday, January 27, 2022

The Japanese have a term called “karoshi” or death by overwork. o New term as it was coined by Junko Kitanaka in the 90’s of middle-aged workers who would literally work themselves to death. o One would think we would need to take such a study seriously, right? o WHO reported: “In a first global analysis of the loss of life and health associated with working long hours, WHO and ILO estimate that, in 2016, 398 000 people died from stroke and 347 000 from heart disease as a result of having worked at least 55 hours a week. Between 2000 and 2016, the number of deaths from heart disease due to working long hours increased by 42%, and from stroke by 19%.” o We live in a society that focuses on deadlines and working to the midnight hours. Many are expected and even pressured to work extra hours. o The numbers are likely worse in our current COVID society. o To help, some companies are now providing their employees with non-traditional tools (some of which we will discuss later) to help prevent burnout. · With that, I believe there is a need for a focus on self-care. · What is self-care? o Caring for self. o Some may ask, “Isn’t that a bit selfish?” Answer: No. § The Virtuous Woman of Prov. 31 – Cares for others but notice v. 22. § She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. (Pro 31:22) o Self-care is taking proper care of yourself so that you might be useful to others. § This includes: hygiene, physical health, emotional health, spiritual health. § If we are not taking care of ourselves, we cannot care of others properly. · There lies the reason why we need to have this discussion. o This subject affects more than just us. o It affects those for whom we love and care. · In future episodes we will discuss topics connected to this such as: o Biblical Examples of Self-Care o Free Tools to Help with Self-Care o Ways in which we need to care for ourselves