LaToya Brooks Self-care EDG 6320 Individual Counseling by LaToya Brooks

Reset and Recharge" Self-care"

lbrooks12_2 — 2025-03-30 00:32:40 UTC

I personally feel everyone needs a Calgon moment. Every day, I say, "Calgon, take me away." In our busy lives, taking a step back and finding time for ourselves is essential. Whether it's a quiet bath, putting your feet up and watching television, or reading a book, or just a few minutes of mindfulness, these moments help us recharge and bring clarity to our thoughts. As a professional educator, I use my planning period to recharge and reset before I pick up my students again. It’s such a crucial time to gather my thoughts, organize my materials, and take a moment to breathe. Whether I'm brainstorming new ideas for lessons, listening to some relaxing music, or simply enjoying a quiet moment with my eyes closed, these breaks help me be more present and effective for my students. Balancing the demands of teaching with self-care is vital in creating a positive learning environment.

Professional "Take away"

lbrooks12_2 — 2025-03-30 01:26:16 UTC

My biggest takeaway from the resources is that self-care isn’t selfish. As a professional counselor, it’s easy to prioritize others’ needs over your own; you have to take care of yourself first. Personally, I believe a counselor must be both professional and self-aware, recognizing that setting boundaries and taking time for self-care is very important. It’s essential to recharge and maintain personal well-being in order to best support my students. Prioritizing self-care allows counselors to be more effective in their roles and ultimately benefits those we serve.

Self-care in the helping profession

lbrooks12_2 — 2025-03-30 02:05:57 UTC

By putting your well-being first, you unlock the ability to concentrate more deeply, make wiser choices, and accomplish tasks with impressive efficiency. Self-care should be a part of every counselor's schedule. Prioritizing your health is not just an act of self-care; it’s a powerful strategy for achieving your goals. Burnout is accurate, not only for counselors but for other professions as well. As a counselor, its ok for you to be the student and talk to other counselors. Many individuals, regardless of their field, face intense pressure and the demands of their jobs, which can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Recognizing the signs of burnout and taking proactive steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and personal fulfillment. The end goal is to be successful at what you do, and that's being there to support others.

Personal Self-care strategies

lbrooks12_2 — 2025-03-30 02:30:28 UTC

As a counselor, you must set personal strategies for yourself. I like to relax with my girlfriends over a good brunch. My grandmother always told me to read Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Spending time with my family and friends is very important. Smiling and enjoying good company is also a stress reliever.

Brunch with friends
I like to relax at home.
Reading a book
Rest and allow your body to reset.
Exercising