For the longest time I thought of self-care as something I can do to “treat myself” like getting my nails done or going shopping at my favorite store, but I have learned as I have experienced challenging things in my personal life and have made my way through this rigorous school program, that it is much more than a shopping trip or a manicure/pedicure every so often.

 

Now, self-care is comprised of the various routines and habits I try to keep and follow to maintain my mental, emotional, and physical health. Self-care, looks like:

 

• 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night

• Being active and/or exercising

• Regular sun light exposure and fresh air

• Eating nutritious foods

• Connecting with my family and friends

• Laughing

• Religious and spiritual worship

• Seeing a doctor/dentist regularly or as needed

• Seeing my own counselor regularly

• Deliberate cold exposure/ice baths

• Getting massages

• Listening to music I love

• Reading or listening to a good book or podcast

 

Other self-care habits I would like to also include, but haven’t been very good at, due to being in school, are taking regular vacations and/or time off, and unplugging from technology and social media.

 

Keeping up with self-care and personal wellness is so critical to being an effective therapist. I know if I am not at my best physically, mentally, or emotionally, I won’t be at my best for my clients, and will be doing them a disservice, which is not only unfortunate, but also unethical.