Dr Scott McGregor is a Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Physician and Co-Founder of Australian made sunscreen, We Are Feel Good Inc.
What does self-care mean to you?
I like to think of self care as a non-negotiable part of the day, ensuring that you operate at your best and that the body and mind remain strong and healthy. I am lucky that I discovered the importance of self care very early on in my student days, incorporating exercise, socialising, family and good dietary habits into my daily routine.
How do you know when you’re feeling stressed or burnt out?
I’m happy to say it doesn’t happen much these days! For me it will be poor sleep and feeling tired and irritable. When the stress is unavoidable, it is so important to keep up your self care routine. It is so easy to just keep focusing on the problem and decide that you are too busy/stressed to exercise or see friends etc. Quite often if we are busy, the first thing to go is self care.
Do you have a regular self-care routine? If so, what does it look like?
I do, and it has certainly changed over the years. I have always focused on a daily exercise routine, whether that’s a trip to the gym, surfing, cycling, or whatever I can squeeze into my day. I think of exercise as my meditation, or switching off time, so it’s super important to me. Sleeping eight hours is another non- negotiable for me.
I have a close group of mates who I catch up with regularly. For example, we are pretty serious about Friday afternoon drinks, a chance to talk nonsense and de-stress. I also keep my family close and value family time more than anything. I think the connection with family and friends is becoming more important for me.
What bumps you off your self-care routine and how do you get back on course?
There is no doubt that when a stressful situation arises, be it work or family, the first thing to be neglected will be your self care. Work was always the main culprit, I thought that digging in and working harder would somehow reduce the stress.
Guess what, it doesn’t ! I have learnt over the years that no matter how bad things may seem, do not give up on your daily self care. Whether it’s a cycle ride with mates, or the weekly dinner date with friends, these things keep you grounded, and it’s a guarantee afterwards that your “problems“ will seem much smaller.
Where do you go for inspiration, ideas or tools for self-care?
I love to learn, so I’m constantly reading and listening to people smarter than me. I love hearing about people’s life stories, the different ways people have achieved or overcome adversity. In my opinion those who survive well in the business world tend to have a good self care regimen. On new ideas for self care, I’m currently a bit obsessed with learning about intermittent fasting and the potential positive effects that can have on health. Early days for me, but I do feel more alert.
What do you think you need to improve in terms of your self-care practice?
I think it is really important to understand that we are always a work in progress. I still learn new things every day, and I love that. So with that in mind, I am constantly tinkering with my self care, as my understanding of what is important certainly changes over time. For example, even though exercise and diet have always been front and centre for me, I now understand that connection may perhaps be the most important part of self care.
There is no doubt that men are not as proficient in this area as women, but it is so important to have a close group of friends who you can truly be yourself around, and who will listen when needed and who turn to you when they need an ear – food for the soul! I am also currently working on taking more holidays!
