Even the most powerful outfit can’t make burnout look good.

You’ll never feel powerful if you don’t take time for yourself, to rebuild your strength and honor all you do.

The definition of self-care is different for each person. But on a fundamental level, the first step toward self-care for anyone is acknowledging that you are worthy of taking time to recharge.

Beyond that, this article on BloombergLaw.com provides a helpful definition:

taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health

According to the same Bloomberg Law article, female attorneys take less time for self-care, on average. And unfortunately, although men are getting in more time, the entire profession is only averaging 5.6 hours per week. That’s not even an hour per day, including weekends.

Self-care doesn’t have to be some grand notion, like taking an expensive vacation. You can practice self-care each day by taking care of your body and your mind. Taking a walk at lunch counts. Working out counts. Drinking enough water counts. Going to bed on time counts. Setting boundaries with someone who takes too much of your energy counts.

You also need the overt self-care acts: the afternoon you take to do nothing but read something other than case law or a contract;  the long bath or shower with aromatherapy, the long walk in a beautiful place. Work on your hobby. Learn something new.

Your first line of resistance to self-care is that you don’t have enough time. What you’re really saying is that you haven’t reserved enough time for yourself, and you’re giving it away to others. It’s worth it for you to determine where you’re giving away your time needlessly and where you can reallocate that time to yourself.

Get a robot vacuum. Order your groceries for pickup. Buy the dessert you promised to bring to that party rather than spending your precious time making it (unless that relaxes you).

Just imagine how powerful you’ll be after you  take time rest and recharge.