Self-Care by

mflaspohler1 — 2025-03-27 16:51:32 UTC

I have two key take-aways from the resources I examined. The first take-away is that, as a school counselor, monitoring your physical and emotional health is an aspect of the ASCA Ethical Standards. So, not only is it important to practice self-care, but it is required. The second take-away is that compassion fatigue is the physical and emotional impact of helping others. This was not a term I have heard before, but I can understand how it happens to school counselors when they are exposed to stressful and traumatic situations when working with students.

mflaspohler1 — 2025-03-27 17:47:55 UTC

When reflecting on the importance of self-care for school counselors, the saying "you can't fill from an empty cup" comes to mind. It is impossible to support our students mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing if we are not taking care of ourselves. If school counselors do not develop a consistent self-care routine, or self-care strategies, they run the risk of experiencing burn-out and compassion fatigue.

mflaspohler1 — 2025-03-27 18:04:39 UTC

Seeing a movie in theatres is one of my favorite self-care activities. Seeing a movie allows me to forget about myself and my problems for a few hours and immerse myself in another world. It also allows me to unplug for a few hours and encourages me to stay off of my phone. Seeing movies frequently allows me to have something to look forward to each week and is a way for me to destress/relax.

mflaspohler1 — 2025-03-27 18:08:10 UTC

Taking a walk with my dog is a self-care strategy I practice almost daily. It allows me to get fresh air, spend time with my dog, and listen to music. A good walk is a great way to destress after a long day of work/school and is something I always look forward to!