I'm Maggie Smith, and this is The Slowdown.

Self-care as a buzzword is so overused, it's nearly lost its meaning.

I know it looks like different things to different people, a massage, a yoga class, an afternoon

off work to do something fun.

But as the idea pops up again and again, I try to let go of those associations

and focus on the words themselves, self, care. It's how we take care of ourselves, especially when

life feels particularly stressful and challenging.

Maybe the ultimate self-care is learning to give yourself the respect, the tenderness,

and the grace you extend to others, to love yourself, the way you love others.

Today's poem made me think about self-care in a new way. It shows us how self-directed kindness can be a sacred ritual like prayer. T by Leila Shetty

five times a day I make tea. I do this because I like the warmth

in my hands, like the feeling of self-directed kindness. I'm not used to it, warmth and kindness both. So I create my own when I can.

It's easy. You just pour water into a kettle and turn the knob and listen for the scream.

I do this five times a day. Sometimes, when I'm pleased, I let out a little sound.

A poet noticed this, and it made me feel I might one day properly be loved. Because no one is here

to love me, I make tea for myself and leave the radio playing.

I must remind myself I am here and do so by noticing myself.

My feet are cold inside my socks.

They touch the ground. My stomach churns. My heart stutters. In my hands I hold a warmth I make. I come from a people who pray five times a day and make tea.

I admire the way they do both.

How they drop to the ground wherever they are.

Drop pine nuts and mint sprigs in a glass.

...