“A calm mind brings inner strength and positivity, so that’s very important for good health.
– Dalai Lama
Right now, therapists, specialists, and providers of every field are being called on to be creative, extra present, resilient and vulnerable in both their personal and professional lives. Self care is more important than ever. You can’t pour from an empty vessel. We are all in this together and we can do ‘hard things.’ This is why I’ve compiled my tips for service providers that need a little self care.
You don’t have to go it alone, I see you and support you!
Remember your talents, strengths, and skills. Stand in your power and remember – you know your stuff! You also know when you are dragging and depleted. Pay attention to you.
Here are a few suggestions for rebalancing yourself:
Write it down
Don’t keep everything in your head, this includes your ideas, your questions, your frustrations and triumphs. Put it in writing. It helps you remember, makes it more tangible, and reduces the stress of carrying all that information around.
Maybe you keep track of things through Post-its or maybe it’s in your calendar – but it needs to actually be written down in a place that you will see it and support you to remember and follow thru on it.
Feed your soul
What feeds your soul? Crafts? Bird watching? Cooking? Walking?
Find time for it, and make time for it. Sometimes a shift to do so can happen in baby steps. Have your supplies all in storage? Find them. Make them accessible, and see if this sparks the spirit to use them. Whatever it may be, it counts. YOU count, YOU matter.
Surround yourself with positivity
Identify and connect with people who can be a positive force in your life. Avoid the Grumpies.
This goes for your work and home environments. Negativity can cause stress and put into motion hormonal imbalance, reducing the brain chemicals needed for strong immune systems and feelings of happiness.
Rest
Lay down. Fall asleep or don’t. Close your eyes. Do nothing… for 5 minutes. 15 if you are feeling generous with yourself. Feel generous with yourself. Often.
Rest recharges your body- physically and mentally- so that you can be more present and positive when dealing with life and all the “ surprises” it may send your way.
Breathe
Breath work has been studied and shown to be an effective way to lower blood pressure and anxiety. There are many ways to use it during your day. A simple but effective starter exercise is to practice seven 11s. Inhale counting till seven and exhale counting to 11.
Set Boundaries
What’s okay and what is not okay, for you? Is it selfish to say no when you are feeling overwhelmed, tired or confused? No. To quote Brené Brown, “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”
You matter. Take care of YOU.
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