Self-care has been a popular buzzword for several years now and rightfully so. We’ve entered an era where Western society is shifting away from the 24/7 hustle culture mentality, and running rampantly towards the idea of slowing down and taking care of one's own emotional, mental and physical well-being. 

But what exactly is self-care, and how can barbers integrate this into their daily lives?

Self-care is a devotion to oneself. It’s a variety of actions and activities that someone regularly partakes in to support their mind, body, and spirit. When we give ourselves more of our own attention and support, we discover that we’re more balanced, calmer, and happier. By indulging in self-care practices and prioritizing self, you also increase your capacity to give to and support others. It’s a balancing act. The more you pour into yourself and fill your own cup, the more you can pour out from a space of fullness vs. lack.

When it comes to barbers, self-care is crucial to prevent burnout. Here are three ways to take care of yourself before, during and after work.

Take Frequent Breaks

If you tend to schedule your clients back-to-back without any space in between, here’s an opportunity to create some breathing room for yourself throughout the day. Try to allocate a 15-minute break between appointments so that you can step outside and get some fresh air, make a phone call, enjoy a snack or just give your feet a rest as standing up all day can be taxing.

Take Care of Your Body

Speaking of your feet, you’ll want to be sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes that provide an adequate amount of arch support and cushion for those long days. Consider giving yourself a foot massage at the end of each day as well to help alleviate any soreness or pain you may be experiencing. A cost effective way to do this is to purchase a tennis ball and alternate rolling each foot on top of the tennis ball. As you roll from the heel up through the arch, you get to control the pressure of the massage by pressing your foot more firmly into the ball for a deep tissue effect, or easing up for a gentler experience. If your budget allows for a monthly splurge, consider booking a foot massage appointment at your local spa.

Set Boundaries With Clients

Your time is just as valuable as the clients you serve. Time is also money. Be sure that you’re establishing clear guidelines for late arrivals and late cancellations. Each time a client is late, it creates a domino effect and can derail your schedule for the entire day. Consider implementing a grace period of 10-15 minutes for late arrivals. And anyone who shows up beyond that window will have to reschedule for another day. Also, in the event that someone cancels at the last minute, consider enforcing a penalty and require clients to notify you within a certain timeframe to avoid this consequence. Lastly, practice putting your phone on “do not disturb” once you’re off work and avoid any conversations with clients via text, social media, or email once you’ve left the shop for the day.

By prioritizing your self-care, you’ll start feeling better from the inside out, and more in control of your daily experiences with the outside world. Always remember to fill your own cup first and let everyone else enjoy the overflow.