Self-Care by Melissa Waffer

mwaffer — 2024-10-26 19:57:12 UTC

References

mwaffer — 2024-10-26 20:35:01 UTC

Gerald Corey, Michelle Muratori, Jude T. Austin, I., & Julius A. Austin. (2018). Counselor Self-Care. American Counseling Association.

mwaffer — 2024-10-26 20:36:52 UTC

mwaffer — 2024-10-26 20:56:11 UTC

Personal Self-Care Strategies

mwaffer — 2024-10-27 00:31:45 UTC

I can incorporate mental, physical, and emotional self-care strategies. Mental strategies include incorporating intentional 10-15 minutes breaks in between meetings to allow for preparation. Physical strategies such as exercising at least 3 times a week and 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. Emotional self-care involves chatting with a family member or friend twice a week to discuss highs and lows.

Importance of Self-care

mwaffer — 2024-10-27 00:35:33 UTC

Implementing self-care strategies can enable mental clarity, increased energy, and positive attitude. Self-care allows us to show up as the best version of ourselves.

When we lack self-care, we can negatively impact aspects of our lives. When it comes to our professional lives, it can influence communication and organizational skills. We can become forgetful, unprepared, and exhibit low job satisfaction.

Self-compassion

mwaffer — 2024-10-27 00:39:05 UTC

One of the biggest takeaways identified was self-compassion. It can be challenging to maintain self-care while juggling all of life's responsibilities. Remember to practice self-compassion when your self-care plan is disrupted.

When a relapse occurs, acknowledge the misstep and continue moving forward. As future counselors, we should give ourselves grace just as we allow others.