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After reading one of the articles about the importance of self-care for counselors, I realized the importance of taking care of myself.  I know that self-care is not a selfish act, but sometimes I feel selfish when I try to do something for myself.  I have always had a heart for doing for others and taking care of everyone else.  I am the “mama bear” of my family and group of friends.  I want to make sure everyone is taken care of, fed, and that they always feel loved.  This is an overwhelming responsibility I have put on myself and now I feel that others expect it out of me.  I do not take the time to do things I like to do or that make me feel relaxed.  I need to make more time for myself and get it out of my head that I am being selfish if I do.  I think this is an issue I have created for myself, and after reading several articles in our reading list, I realize I need to change this for myself to be a better person for my family and students.

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Counselors are daunted by the task of helping their students become the best version of themselves.  To be better, to want better, and to become the best they can be.  This is in their personal, social, emotional, career, and educational lives.  That is a lot to put on one school counselor serving 250+ students daily.  It is easy for us to say that self-care is important, and we teach our students to take time for themselves, yet we do not always do that for ourselves.  If we do not take the time for self-care, we will come to work overwhelmed, angry, stressed, and feeling undervalued.  We owe it to ourselves and our students to come to work refreshed, positive, and ready to help.  We cannot pour ourselves into others if our cup is empty.

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A few things I can do to spend more time caring for myself are rest, stay hydrated, and read.  I love to read.  I used to read books all the time.  Now I find it hard to find time to read.  My life is so bust with work, parenting, grad school, and caring for my family.  I am at peace when I read, and I love being wrapped up in a different life, and I connect with the characters from the book.  I do sleep at night, but I tend to go to bed late after others in the house are asleep, and it takes a while for my mind to shut down for the night.  I need to create a healthy routine for bedtime and abide by it.  Many people have heard me say, “I hate water.”  I do.  I cannot help it.  If I drink water, it has to have some sort of flavoring in it.  I need to bring a bottle full of water to drink at work daily and make sure I refill it throughout the day.  I know my body would appreciate it.  These are just a few things I can do to keep my body and mind healthier.