Wellness Plan / Self-Care
Self-care is an important part of our journey that can often be overlooked, which can be met with dire consequences. Though empathetic caregiving is such a rewarding endeavor, it does come with a cost to the psychological, physical, and emotional state of the counselor. This cost can range from compassion fatigue to occupational burnout and vicarious traumatization. These consequences are detrimental to the caregiving field and often result from a lack of self-awareness and self-care. Yet it is imperative, that we understand that self-care is much more than meeting our daily needs, for it is the process of finding peace and gaining rejuvenation. This process is taking breaks when life becomes overwhelming and knowing when it is appropriate to say no to things that are not in our ability. Allowing ourselves time to feel the world around us and acknowledge the world within ourselves. Self-care is the process of ensuring that “I” am at my optimal best, so “We” can work toward your optimal recovery!
My self-care begins with a mindfulness approach of practicing self-awareness and paying attention to life in the present moment. Like all of us, I too have my own process of recovery in life. As such, I rely on the guidance of spiritual principles learned within my own journey to ensure I am centered in the moment. Equally, I allow myself to find rest in my day through meditation, prayer, and relaxation as time allows. I find comfort in my journey and the process I practice daily, just as I understand that I must make time to involve myself in activities like exercise, hobbies, and most importantly surrounding myself with family and friends that genuinely care about me. Self-care is as equally important as the care I choose to give others daily.
