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The point that impressed me the most is the fact that, for the last ten years, engaging in and practicing self-care is an actual ethical mandate now. This was not part of the ACA Code of Ethics when I graduated, but since 2014 the importance of self care has proven to be an essential part of an effective counselor’s lifestyle. When I began my career, our focus was solely on helping our clients improve the quality of their lives, with little to no mention of how the counselor can best do this without destroying their own. Engaging in self care was seen as selfish by most and a luxury. I am so pleased that this is no longer the case and that the counselors of today are getting healthier messages. It is already in our makeup to put others first, but with it being recognized in our code of ethics, counselors should not have to feel the guilt of prioritizing themselves. On the contrary, if counselors are not practicing self-care, they will be unable to provide competent services to others, or at least not to the very best of their abilities, which our clients deserve.

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I think the concept of self-care is so important that it should be called "self-preservation" in a field such as ours. Without practicing good self care strategies, we simply wont have the tools to do what it takes to survive in a helping profession. It is challenging and draining to deal with the emotional well being of others on a daily and continual basis. In fact, if one does it for long enough, the odds are they will experience some compassion fatigue, secondary trauma, or burnout. Knowing this ahead of time and developing habits to build our emotional/mental resilience is key. Not only is it essential for us to engage in proper self care habits for our own emotional and mental health, but if we are truly in it to help others, we must also do it for them. Our clients will not receive the best of us if we fail to do what is needed to maintain our own wellness. Our clients deserve to have the best care from their counselor. So practicing self care is an investment in your well-being and your ability to provide effective care to others. This is a recognized fact and that is why it is mandated.

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THIS IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY WORK/HOME BOUNDARIES

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MY #1 SELF CARE STRATEGY TOOL: UNPLUG & DISCONNECT

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MY #1 SELF CARE STRATEGY TOOL: UNPLUG & DISCONNECT

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I have learned that setting and keeping healthy boundaries is essential for me to function effectively. I am not my best at home or at work if this gets out of balance for me. I do this by making it a point to turn off my notifications for work on my phone as soon as I walk out the doors to my school. I literally had to pick a point or place in my routine that I pass by each day when leaving work to serve as a reminder to do this. It represents the end of my professional day and the beginning of my own time. It has now become a habit for me and as soon as I reach that point, it triggers me to unplug. I recommend this for everyone. This is the single most important thing that has truly saved my mental health and the quality of my family/home time. I did not always do this, it has become a necessity. Previously, I had no real boundaries and would work at home and was able to be reached any time by the office. I thought I was proving my worth and loyalty to my clients and the helping profession, but the opposite was true. By making this one adjustment, I feel so much more present in what I am doing and connected to those I am doing it with.

In addition to turning it off at the end of he work day, I also have started scheduling some breaks into my daily routine. These are a sort of time-out for me to get out of the office, away from the computer and clear my mind. I use this time to refocus on my breathing and conduct a self check on my energy and spirit. I usually try to take a walk around parts of the campus where I won't be followed or interrupted. I enjoy going outside on nice days just to feel the sun on my skin or hear the birds. It is very grounding and resetting for me. My eye doctor had recommended that every so often I make it a point to look out in the distance and use my vision in a different way then just up close, as I do when engaged in conversation or at my desk. I have been really surprised on how much difference this makes. Sometimes I use this break time to practice some of my mindfulness tools such as positive self talk or affirmations. It just feels so good and reenergizing to step away and do something different.

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This is a picture of the NATURE TRAIL BY MY HOUSE THAT I OFTEN GO TO FIND PEACE AND UNWIND

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My #2 Self Care Strategy is to WEEKLY DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT WITH NATURE..

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My #2 Self Care Strategy is to WEEKLY DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT WITH NATURE..

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Being in nature is something that has always been a grounding experience for me. I had gotten away from my precious time outdoors when I chose to be too busy spending all my time and energy at work. Realizing this, I took a step back, reassessed my priorities, and made some changes. I started going on walks and found that I have a wonderful nature preserve behind my neighborhood. I have recently rediscovered how meaningful it is to my soul to immerse my self in nature once again. It is so calming to be still and take the time to notice all the natural wonders all around. When I walk down the nature trail I can feel my stress just melting away. It is almost like a portal to my inner peace. It is good for my well being to see life flourishing in the absence of electronics and deadlines.

Being in nature helps put the chaos and catastrophes of the day into perspective. So many so-called crisis's happen each day (keep in mind, I am in a middle school filled with teenage drama) that you can get wrapped up in that energy and feel as if your on a constant roller coaster ride. Putting out these emotional fires is spiritually and physically exhausting. It helps me to know that no matter what happens in life, the creek will still flow and the sun will still come up tomorrow. The beauty of hope and the balance of life is all represented in my little nature walk time. I can get down at times dealing with all the negativity and hopelessness around me, but this time, restores my knowledge that all is well in the world. During my time in nature, I practice whatever mindfulness tool I am into at the time. I am present and feel at one with the collective consciousness. It is a very healing time for me. The difference in myself leaving the trail from when I entered is noticeably improved. My energy is renewed and my level of stress is diminished. It helps me to be able to take on another week's troubles.

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MEDITATION & YOGA RETREAT WITH MY DAUGHTER (IN PIC ABOVE)

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RECONNECT WITH NATURE through Mindfulness and Meditation

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RECONNECT WITH NATURE through Mindfulness and Meditation

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I am making it more of a priority to engage in activities that evoke a sense of inner peace and tranquility into my hectic lifestyle. I find it valuable to have some time for self reflection and personal growth. It enhances my ability to be fully present and attuned during sessions with my clients, as well as my family.

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THERE IS NO ONE WAY TO ENGAGE IN SELF CARE, THE LIST IS ENDLESS