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From reviewing the resources, I came to realize how crucial counselors' self-care is not only for the counselors' well-being but also for the results of their clients/students. It is an ethical mandate to practice self-care in order to be able to effectively care for others.

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Why is Self-Care Important in the Helping Profession?

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Why is Self-Care Important in the Helping Profession?

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How do we expect to help others in need if we do not help ourselves maintain mind, spiritual, and physical health? In the helping profession, self-care is paramount as it enables us to maintain our own mental and emotional well-being to ensure effective support to others without risking burnout or compassion fatigue.

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To practice good self-care while serving others in the helping profession, I will focus on the following strategies that will help maintain my overall well-being:

I will start the habit of practicing gratitude on a regular basis, perhaps by reflecting on the parts of the day when I felt most effective, positive and helpful, but in order to save time this reflection should be as bullet journaling at the end of the day.

Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential, especially in demanding roles like school counseling. Reflecting on my past experience as a school teacher, I know the negative effects of neglecting this balance on personal relationships and stress level. As a school counselor, I am committed to implementing effective boundary-setting strategies such as setting designated times for work-related tasks and ensuring that once I leave the office, I will focus solely on my personal life and family. By delineating this line between work and home, I am prioritizing my well-being, nurturing healthier relationships and preventing burnout.

Staying active is very important, even when feeling overload with work or study. I am the kind of person who often procrastinate exercising, but I recognize the importance of setting a timer to pause my tasks and engage in physical activity, whether it is riding my bike or using my elliptical machine. This helps me stay healthy and release the stress build up from work or study.

Making time to go out with friends or visit them is equally important. Since transitioning to being a stay-at-home mom, I've felt isolated. I recognize how spending time with friends replenishes my soul and renews my energy, bringing joy and positivity into my life.