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Self-care is not optional; it feeds our soul and our mind just as importantly as food nourishes our bodies. As counselors, we must consciously make the decision to help ourselves so that we can help others. We must establish things such as boundaries and time away in order to become and/or remain successful counselors. Feeling emotional exhaustion can be a normal process in the world of counseling and we should be able to recognize those feelings so we don't experience extreme burnout. Counselors must leave work at work. We must learn that self-care is not selfish or wrong, it is a mandate. Take the vacation!

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Prioritizing our own self-care in the helping profession allows us to be fantastic role models to others. Self-care creates a happier, more confident, and healthier counselor, which in turn, helps us to do our job better and become more successful!

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As counselors, we must practice what we preach in order to prevent burnout, emotional exhaustion, and even physical illness. One technique that I particularly love is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness allows your brain and body to just simply become aware of your surroundings. It allows a person to feel their feelings, see what is around them, touch things that are tangible, and listen to the sounds offered to them. Another technique I believe to be useful is meditation through prayer. I must take the time to stop all activity, quiet my surroundings, and have a conversation with God. I vent, ask for forgiveness, pray for others and myself, and thank God for everything He has given me and continues to bless me with.

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Soaking in every moment. Quieting the mind. Only engaging myself in things that are truly meaningful. Slowing down.