"Self-Care" isn't trendy, it's critical by Kassie Fielder

Take Away

kfielder3 — 2024-10-21 17:51:09 UTC

Self-Care is not a luxury. I think that in previous generations (and still in some professions) being overworked is glorified. When I read that “self-care is not a luxury” but that it is an “ethical mandate” that really struck me. It is not a luxury, it is not an “extra” good thing to do if you have the time, it is critical. If a counselor is to “refrain from activity that may lead to inadequate professional services or diminish their effectiveness” then on the flip side, that means that a counselor should engage in activities that increase and flourish their professional services and effectiveness. Those activities that flourish us and help us to stay emotionally, mentally and physically well are our self-care activities. It is not an option to engage in these activities only when we have the time. You must make the time for your own self-care. I believe that everyone has the time to do the things that you prioritize, and with maturity and self-actualization, you learn to prioritize the right things.

Reflection

kfielder3 — 2024-10-21 17:51:59 UTC

Self care is so critical to prevent burn out. I learned more about burn out from one of the readings. “Burn out” is not just mental or physical tiredness. It is “emotional exhaustion” indicated by depletion of affect, depersonalization or loss of empathy and a feeling that as a helping professional you are no longer able to contribute to another person’s well being. That is a profound concept... and problem. That a counselor could become so burnt out that they lose their sense of empathy, have a depleted or emotionless affect or feeling of helplessness that you are no longer helpful to anyone. That level of burn out takes away all of the wonderful things that makes a good counselor a good counselor. One must be proactive in caring for themselves and making the time for personal enjoyment and fulfillment to be able to provide and care for anyone else.

Self-Care Strategies

kfielder3 — 2024-10-21 17:52:10 UTC

Self-Care is critical, it's not just trendy. In the field of education, I have heard more over the last few years about "self-care." People in helping professions (and those in leadership positions that are supervising employees) are realizing more and more that burn out is a real issue. When you are employed in a position to help others, the job can be mentally and emotionally draining. I know that self-care is critical for my mental, emotional and physical health. I can't be a good mother, wife, employee, counselor or student if I am feeling defeated, tired, over worked, anxious or just frazzled and disorganized. I need to feel centered and I have had to reflect over the years to figure out what that means for me. My most important type of self-care, something that I do for only myself, is running with music. It doesn't benefit anyone but myself, but I know that it is ok to have that! I enjoy individual distance running for so many reasons. It is my alone time, my music time, my thinking time, my "zone out" time, and my "me" time when no one else needs me or is asking anything of me. I think that every person, everywhere, but especially those in helping professions, need to find what it is that fulfills their "me" time and nurtures their emotional, mental and physical health. Because no one can take care of you, like you can.

Prioritize Your Self-Care Strategies

kfielder3 — 2024-10-21 17:53:12 UTC