We've all heard it before:
"put on your oxygen mask before you put on others'" or "you can't pour from an empty cup".
As therapists, these sayings ring true. An effective, compassionate and ethical therapist is one who also takes care of themselves between sessions.
Here's some self-care tips to keep in mind to help manage the demands of the profession 💙
1. Set clear time, emotional and space boundaries between work and life (i.e., create specific work hours, disconnect from emails, change your clothes, create a transition ritual etc.)
2. Practice grounding or decompression techniques (i.e., deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, physical movement)
3. Engage in mini-mindfulness breaks
4. Water and feed yourself!
5. Move your body
6. Use your senses (i.e., fidget toys, music, scents)
7. Give yourself a brain break (i.e., engage in non-work related, pleasurable activities)
8. Use nature
9. Prepare for the next session intentionally and calmly
10. Use your peers and supervision