Professional Self-Care by

My Biggest "Take Away"

lsneed2_1 — 2025-03-30 21:36:50 UTC

Compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary trauma, are commonly used terms in the school counseling field. With the constant response to solving student problems and adhering to campus needs, self-care becomes the forefront of your success. This includes ensuring you have a dependable support system, and regularly focusing on your physical, social, emotional, and psychological well-being.

Importance of Self-Care

lsneed2_1 — 2025-03-30 21:37:32 UTC

Self-care is an important aspect of being a school counselor due to the high level of mental demand and the commitment you have towards helping others. The best way I can explain it is, when airline attendants go through the safety guidelines, it is mentioned to place the oxygen mask on yourself before helping others. This is because, if you are not able to care for yourself, you cannot assist those in need, and the same goes for school counselors.

Strategies Used for Personal Self-Care

lsneed2_1 — 2025-03-30 21:38:14 UTC

Not just in the profession of a school counselor, but as a human being, self-care can benefit you in so many ways. Though I don't, because I make excuses, regular exercise and eating healthy is a good start to self-care. I feel the release of endorphins and stress when I take my dog for a walk around the neighborhood. Also if I make healthier food choices, I do not feel so sluggish throughout my day.

As a teacher, I practice self-care by playing instrumental covers of popular music while students work independently. There have also been times where I have asked my students to place their heads on their desk or practice breathing exercises, just so I can gather myself and refocus. I am not afraid to let my students know that I need a minute sometimes, because I want them to feel comfortable enough to tell me when they do too.

Visual of Self-Care

lsneed2_1 — 2025-03-30 21:50:13 UTC