This blog is written by The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”). ALC is centered around the principles of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership, formerly known as Leadership from the Inside Out. “We are committed to helping you discover, unlock and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.”
You did it! You completed the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season! Whether this was your first or your twentieth, this year was just…different. Cookie season can be exciting, stressful, and challenging in a typical year, but a pandemic? You deserve extra kudos.
There is so much that gets put to the side while you focus on making sure your girls have enough Thin Mints on hand that you may not take time to recharge once it’s over. Before you shift your focus onto all the other stuff calling for your attention, we invite (and gently remind) you to take time to practice some post-cookie season self-care.
“Ha! Who has time for that? Life is too busy!”
Well, grab a glass of milk (or other favorite beverage) and a Do-Si-Do or two that you stashed away, and we’ll share why it’s essential for you and your girls.
First, self-care is a form of self-respect, which is an essential part of the Girl Scout Law (”I will do my best to be…considerate and caring….and to respect myself”).
Second, according to a survey done by the American Psychological Association in 2020, Americans reported significantly increased stress levels during the pandemic. Stress can have a significant impact on our mind and body, contributing to sleep problems, brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, weakened immune system, heart disease, and even stubborn weight gain (and this is just a shortlist). This means that self-care is critical to surmounting these stressors and maintaining your health.
Well, I still don’t have time for “self-care,” so how can I fit it in?
Self -care is more than bubble baths and spa days (although that would be amazing too!). It can be as simple as allowing yourself to pause and breathe deeply for a minute or two. Here are five ways you can practice post-cookie self-care that will benefit yourself and your troop:
- Deep breathing.
- Get outside. Walk, hike, garden, or simply sit and enjoy the sun.
- Put on some of your favorite tunes and dance.
- Journal. Reflect on what went well this cookie season, what lessons were learned, how did you feel this year compared to prior years.
- Celebrate. Celebration is contagious! When we celebrate our wins - no matter how big or small - it creates a positive momentum that motivates and energizes.
And so you know, everyone here at GSACPC and ALC celebrates YOU. Let us know how you de-stress by sending us a message.
Please note this content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
