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Written by Dr. Eric Klingensmith
Be that as it may, after thousands of hours of research and observations out in the wild fields of counseling center preserves, there is evidence that somewhere out there colleagues are practicing what they preach. So, here are some of the great minds of the Commission, plus colleagues, sharing their wisdom and what they do to take care of themselves. Sit back, relax, read, enjoy, and smile for a few moments...have a great year. Eric
* One of my
favorites is to take at least one Saturday a month to spend the day in PJ’s
watching reality TV marathons.
* It's important
for me to have balance and have a contrast to my work life--to play with my
daughter, listen to live music, and go out dancing. In particular, I've found
that being creative and making things with my hands has become really important
to me. So much of our counseling center work is intangible, and we're not sure
when we're done sometimes. I have found great satisfaction in being able to
complete a project--it's an item that is obviously done, I can hold it, and I
can show it to others--unlike most of what I do at work. And, "She who laughs,
lasts."
* I spend some
time playing with my dogs - they think I am fabulous, no matter how rotten my
day has been. Plus, who could stay in a bad mood looking into all of those
sweet eyes (I have 4 dogs!) and watching their tails wag a hundred
miles/minute??!!
* Have a place you can go and people
do not know you are a counselor. I have started volunteering at the local
animal shelter in the past year, and the other volunteers, staff, and customers
only know me as 'Jamie who volunteers with the cats.'
* A light-hearted book to forget my
worries helps me relax.
* After finding
my exercise plans consistently squeezed out by "more important things"
throughout the day, I've gotten into the habit of scheduling times for yoga, the
gym, etc. on my calendar. As a result, I find I am more likely to do for myself
what I do for others with whom I have an appointment -- I show up. * It just so happens that I recently compiled something on this subject. Modeling Wellness and Self-Care in the Work Place • Take short walks during the day • Work as a team – collaborate, consult, back each other up as needed • Flexible schedules • Celebrating birthdays and special days together • Giving “Kudos” awards via a staff newsletter • Casual days • Staff retreats ---that combine team-building, fun AND more serious topics • Mutual provision of social support among colleagues • Use of good natured humor and fun in daily interaction • Eating lunch with colleagues • Professional development seminars on self-care • Small staff library with books on self-care topics • Honest and direct communication • Create an environment that is accepting and supportive within the limits of your mission. • Interact with students and others consumers in a welcoming way that sets a positive and respectful tone for all • Create opportunities for quiet and or uninterrupted work time • Comp time • Yoga training sessions for staff • Workout plans for each staff member • Staff massages • Share ‘News and Goods’ to start our meetings • Team building events include physical activity • Provide healthier choices and a variety of foods at celebrations • Each staff person has a balance ball for working at their desk • Relaxing music in the office
•
Outside of the office social gatherings
* "Remember to
laugh, and to laugh often!' =)
* My words of
wisdom regarding self-care are, "Each day make time for lunch...preferably with
a colleague or friend."
* What has
been really helpful for me has been joining CURVES Fitness Center and making
myself go right after work at least three times a week. I find it gives me
an energy boost and helps me clear my head.
* I have a
relaxation CD by Joel Levey from self-guided.com. It includes a power nap track
that is absolutely refreshing. On those long days when I am booked solid with
individual sessions and getting pulled in a hundred different directions, I can
spend 20 minutes of my lunch hour relaxing my mind. The added benefit is that I
am equally alert for the afternoon. The thing about self-care is that regardless
of what you choose to do, it has to be done purposefully and with intent.
* I believe in
“quests” for my relaxation – I’m always on a quest for a new improv comedy club
to make me laugh, the best piece of key lime pie or coconut cake, the best taco
or burger dive restaurant, the best steak house, etc. I love to escape into a
good movie (especially at a drive-in). There also has to be a pitcher of freshly
brewed sweet tea in my fridge at all times and the sci-fi channel or cartoon
network on the TV. Of course there is the healthy stuff too, like working out,
biking, and fencing (when I can).
* Make sure to
take some time (5-10 minutes) outside a day. It does a mind and a body good
;~). I tried to do
something just for me at least once a day ;~) to help practice self care. I also do
workshops for trainees on self-care to help keep me accountable and remind me to
practice self-care. I also make sure to laugh and to watch a comedy to help if
necessary.
* Being able
periodically to close my office door for 5 minutes, even for a brief, power-nap
during that time. Having coworkers willing to share a good laugh several times a
day.
* Certain
channels on tv...like the Home and Garden and the food channels help me
de-escalate and relax. Volunteering my time. And last but not certainly least, this came in just under the wire and with good reason… * Before this weekend, I would have responded that my major way of coping is to do things that are NOT like my work life even though I enjoy my work very much. Travelling...travelling...being with my family...playing my French horn in a brass choir...gardening...small stakes poker with my friends...fine food (cooking AND eating!), just to name a few! After dealing with Hurricane Ike (and the evacuees from other hurricanes), I realized that my self-care & coping comes from an INTERNAL mindset that I was poignantly reminded of by this past weekend's disaster. My mindset is to remember all that I am SO blessed to have in my life, and I try to make a point of remembering that, and thinking of specific examples, on a daily basis. Today I feel blessed (with a bit of survivor guilt, too), that when the hurricane finally tracked inland, it came in slightly east of its predicted path. So we were spared the worst of the destruction and permanent loss... or just the plain inconvenience of being safe, being without water, power, cell-phones, the internet, gasoline and easily available food! My mindset of being what I call and "optimistic pragmatist" has served me well...I always HOPE for the best, but I try to be prepared for and accept it when that doesn't happen! As Bev Sills, the late opera star said when Carol Burnet asked if she was really as ALWAYS happy as she seems, Ms. Sills said "I'm not always happy, but I'm ALWAYS cheerful." I think that's a good way to keep a positive mindset which is the basis for good self-care.
I must say, it was
therapeutic this morning just to write all of this down... (HA! And yet another
tip...write it down so you can see it and think about it!)
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As mental health
professionals, it is often assumed that we practice what we dispense about
self-care. In reality, this is not often the case-- not because we don't know
the value of self-care, but that we simply don't have the time.