Self-care can seem like an indulgence or a treat after a long hard day. In truth, self-care is essential for emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing and needs to be an ongoing practice in daily life. This is particularly important for health care professionals, psychologists, and social workers to hear because their job is about helping people. But we cannot help others unless we first help ourselves. According to Barnett and Cooper (2009), self-care is an essential part of the profession of health and psychology as a preventative strategy against burnout, vicarious traumatization, and impaired professional competence.
Not sure how to get started?
Try writing your feelings and explore your thoughts. According to Haertl and Ero-Phillips (2017),
writing can be therapeutic and work as a "conduit for personal and health improvement."
Here are some questions/prompts to get your started on how you can practice self-care in your daily life (Psych Central):
- Where do I feel deprived?
- What do I need more of right now?
- What do I need less of?
- What do I want right now?
- Who or what is causing me to be resentful and why?
In need of some examples?
Follow the DHSS Library blog every Monday for a different way to practice self-care at work or at home!
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