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We often teach to others what we need to do ourselves. How many times have you brought up the importance of self care with your clients?
Self care is important for any ‘body’ and in particular as a therapist, there is a need for you to fill up your cup so you can be in good shape to support others.
As a therapist your role is to support, inform and educate your client so they can build awareness of limiting patterns of behavior and work towards their own psychological wellbeing. Due to external stressors and life challenges, there are more people seeking out the support of a therapist. From a business perspective, this intake of clients is seen as a good thing as it brings in more flow and abundance. However, the risk here is that you may negate your own needs for the sake of not disappointing others or letting clients down.
We know that self care is imperative - we teach it and enforce it with our clients, so at a logical level we hold awareness that practicing self-care is one of the most selfless activities you can engage in.
So how do you reduce the risk of burnout whilst navigating a busy practice? Let’s start by reminding you of some things you can do to prevent burnout:
Be aware of your stress levels and listen to your body - Some warning signs such as, headaches, pain, not sleeping, difficulty concentrating and irritability often seep in, but because of the work load, you may choose to push through and keep going.
Eat healthy food – Perhaps prepare some meals for dinner in advance so you have a healthy option to heat up when you get home from your day of seeing clients.
Rest/ensure you are getting enough downtime – take naps when you can or schedule in a meditation in your break.
Sleep – Make sure you are investing in enough sleep. 7 or more hours per night is recommended.
Take lunch breaks – Maybe go for a walk to get some fresh air and reset the mind.
Ensure you are seeking support through ongoing personal and peer supervision.
Take time out – Schedule breaks/days off in your diary.
Organise time with friends and family – Lunch/dinner/movies or just a coffee.
Exercise – Schedule into your week your Yoga/Pilates/Gym class/Walk. Put it into your diary.
These are some reminders of some simple things you can do for you on a daily basis.
Taking care of you is not selfish!! It is self care. By failing to look after your physical and mental wellbeing is not only hurting you, but it will impact upon your relationships with others.
You matter! You are amazing! So to keep being amazing and look after you!!
Join us at our upcoming Replenish Retreat for Therapists, being held at St Josephs at Kincumber on the Central Coast from 19-21 May 2023. An opportunity for you to nurture, nourish and replenish your mind, body and spirit.