Self-care is important for our overall well-being. No one knows that better than therapists. After all, that’s what we do, right? We help our clients take better care of themselves.
But the question is… Are you taking good care of yourself? If you’re one of those people who are finding it hard to practice self-care, then I urge you to read on.
Why self-care is important
If you’ve ever watched a flight attendant do a pre-flight safety demonstration, you probably already know that they advise parents to put on their oxygen masks first before they try to help their kids.
Why is that? Because you won’t be able to help your kids if you’re gasping for air. The same goes for therapists.
As therapists, we often offer empathy to our clients. We often listen to their often traumatic and heart-wrenching stories. We are there to provide them with a safe space to share their stories and provide a tremendous amount of empathy. And doing this regularly can leave you feeling depleted.
Tips for self-care
Take care of yourself physically
Your health and well-being come first. So be sure to take care of yourself physically. That means, eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising. When you take care of yourself physically, you’ll think and feel better too.
Learn to say no
Many of us have too many things to do in so little time. If you say yes to everything, you may end up feeling burnout. Learn to prioritize your needs over others. Remember, every good no makes room for a better yes.
Make time for yourself
Look at your schedule and try to carve out an hour or two for self-care. Have lunch with your family or friends, watch a movie, or get a massage.
Just because you have a crazy schedule, it doesn’t mean you can’t have some alone time. You can do a 10-minute walk outside. Or maybe you can sit in a quiet spot for 10 minutes. Close your eyes and relax.