As practitioners, we provide the essential function of looking out for others. After time spent problem solving with clients, we often neglect ourselves. It's important though to prioritize our own wellness in order to provide effective and compassionate care for clients. Here are some tips for maintaining our own mental and physical health:
Practice self-care: Make sure you take time to engage in activities that you enjoy, whether it's exercising, reading a book, taking a bath, doing something creative or spending time with friends and family.
Get support if you need it: If you are feeling overwhelmed or experiencing stress, don't be afraid to seek support from other professionals, such as a supervisor or colleague.
Work-life boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional life. This may include setting limits on work hours or not taking work-related calls or emails after a certain time. Research published post-lockdown demonstrates that the blending of personal and professional life is detrimental to mental health.
Stay connected: Maintain a support system outside of work, such as friends or family, to help you cope with the emotional demands of counselling.
Practice mindfulness: Include mindfulness practices into your daily routine, such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help you manage stress and emotions and stay present in the moment.
Get enough sleep: Make sure you're getting enough sleep each night to help improve your mood, concentration, and overall well-being. The odd night of not enough sleep is fine but prolonged lack of sleep can have serious mental and physical effects.
Breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to give yourself a chance to get some space and refocus. This can include anything from a ten minute tea break to a larger break. Changing scene is also good - such as a walk outside.
Remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but an essential part of being both a human and an effective and compassionate counsellor or practitioner.
Just popping into the kitchen to put the kettle on......
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