Resets

  If you have any experience in this field you’re probably well acquainted with the concept of self-care. In this field it’s as critical theory, technique and practice. Yes, you work with people, yes it can be an emotionally demanding job, yes burnout is possible for everyone….but as therapists we experience second-hand trauma often.

  For all those reasons self-care and mental resets are critical for us to effectively take care of ourselves and our clients. It’s also important to know to utilize self-care constantly, if you wait until you feel burnt out or overwhelmed it’s probably too late to be effective.

   Some instances may require bringing in the big guns that elevate your routine, but that routine should be well established by the time you start seeing clients.

   So, what does self care look like?

….for starters it’s vastly different from it’s depection in the media. It is not saying yes to everything, lavish luxury and blowing your money on off limits expenses. It’s different for everyone, and can ebb and flow as we move through our day. Self-care is based on how to be your best and soothe your own soul while balancing your mental peace.

   Universally self-care should involve some basic physical love for us all. It should look like making sure you are rested, fed and have time for a shower. It should involve making a keeping doctors appointments and taking care of your own physical health.

   The rest is best designed around our personal preferences, hobbies and taste. Personally I enjoy a regular routine of yoga and using this space as a way to journal about my experiences in the field. I live to garden during the season and bake during the winter. I also rely on a steady stream of entertainment such as books, movies, shows and music to help as an outlet for any brewing emotions. I also rely on a weekly reset every weekend. Where 1 day is devoted to chores, upkeep and errands and the next day devoted entirely to me. Sometimes I meet friends for brunch, go on an adventure with my partner or binge on some entertainment and eat brownies for dinner.

  While self-care isn’t exclusively blowing your money or anything and everything you can imagine it’s really important to find a way to incorporate treating yourself too. Whether it entails treating yourself to a massage, jewelry, trip or any upgrade find a way to reward yourself for all if your hard work.

……..until next week.