5 Tips for Self Care
You spend your days encouraging people to set boundaries and practice self care. Easy right? But hold up…..is it getting close to midnight and you are reading this blog? Did you really text a client back at 7pm? Were you up before dawn, just so you could get notes finished before the kids wake up?? I know…..the work you do is SUPER important! You literally help us have a functioning society, but what do you do to take care of YOU?? Sometimes we all might need out toes stepped on just a bit to open our eyes. Here are 5 Tips (okay, maybe reminders) for taking care of yourself so YOU can better serve OTHERS:
Set Boundaries: You know this….yet it is SO HARD to do! Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. This includes defining specific work hours, avoiding taking work home whenever possible, and not checking work emails or messages during personal time. Setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and maintains a healthy work-life balance.
Seek Supervision and Support: You carry a heavy burden! Day in and day out, taking in stories, sharing pain and hearing unbearable trauma. Regular supervision with a colleague can provide invaluable support and guidance. It's important for counselors to have a space where they can reflect on their work, discuss challenging cases, and receive feedback. Peer support groups or professional networks can also offer a sense of community and understanding.
Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, or hobbies into your daily routine. This could include meditation, yoga, exercise, or activities that help you unwind and recharge. Maybe spend your lunch break listening to an audiobook or laughing at an episode of Seinfeld! Taking time for yourself is essential for managing stress and promoting emotional well-being.
Monitor Emotional Health: Pay attention to your own emotional state and seek help when needed. Counseling can be emotionally demanding, and counselors may experience compassion fatigue. Regularly check in with yourself, process your feelings with a trusted colleague or therapist, and prioritize your mental health.
Lighten the load: Let’s be honest…..you did not spend years in school in hopes of creating spreadsheets and spending hours on the phone with insurance. Admin tasks can sometimes take a toll on your mental health! Share the burden! What can you take off your plate, that gives you some extra time to yourself or time to focus on things you love doing? Book an INFO CALL with us today to see how WE can help!
By prioritizing self-care, counselors can maintain their well-being and effectiveness in helping others. Seriously, our society needs you and your skills! Taking time for yourself helps you BETTER SERVE your clients.
