A workshop titled “THRIVE Beyond the To-Do List: A Self-Care Workshop for Busy Lives” was facilitated by Alison Smith, The Thrive Designer, according to a Mar. 31 announcement. Participants at the event were encouraged to reconsider traditional ideas about self-care and explore what practices best support their well-being.
The topic is relevant as many people struggle to prioritize self-care in demanding schedules. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, which serves the business community in Gilbert, Arizona, seeks to foster business growth and enhance quality of life through programs like this workshop, according to its official website.
During the session, attendees discussed various daily activities and debated whether they qualified as self-care. Many found that there is no universal answer—self-care depends on individual preferences and experiences. Some participants said that an activity must bring joy or satisfaction to be considered restorative. Others noted that even tasks which are not enjoyable in the moment can contribute positively if they lead to improved well-being over time.
Smith introduced two guiding questions for ongoing reflection: “How am I doing?” and “What do I need?” She also suggested visualizing well-being on a scale from -10 (burnout) to +10 (thriving), encouraging incremental progress rather than drastic changes. This approach helps individuals identify small adjustments—such as drinking enough water—that can gradually improve resilience.
The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce supports leadership development and civic engagement through its foundation and has been linked with a leadership program established in 1992 designed to cultivate informed community leaders, according to its official website. Sarah Watts currently serves as president and chief executive officer of the organization.
The Chamber also works on influencing policy by advocating for pro-business measures and bringing together stakeholders for meaningful change, according to its official website.
Participants left the workshop with practical strategies focused on intentional shifts rather than stereotypical notions of self-care such as bubble baths. The event aimed at helping individuals redefine what self-care means in their own lives so they can make consistent choices that build resilience.
