1. Keep a regular self-care routine
It is important to keep a self-care routine. Stick to a ritual and take care of yourself in the morning before you go to work and again in the evening when you get home. This might involve things such as skincare routines, stretching, exercise routines, reading, personal time, or cooking healthy meals.
Routine can help you stay in touch with yourself and remember who you are and what your purpose is. It is not your responsibility to take the stress of work or other people’s pain home with you. When you don’t stick to your self-care routine, you may find yourself taking the stress and pain home with you. Instead of focusing on work, focus on yourself and your routine.
2. Take care of yourself emotionally and physically
If you do not take care of yourself emotionally and physically, you cannot be effective at helping others. It won’t do anyone any good if you are burned out, frazzled, or tired.
People are depending on you to show up as the best version of yourself. Do this by getting plenty of rest, protecting your energy, and taking care of your physical health. If your needs are met first, then you’ll show up ready to help meet others’ needs!
3. Reflect on how far you’ve come
While it is important to keep boundaries between your personal life and work life, it can be helpful to reflect on your own life experiences while talking with someone you’re helping. Personal reflection can help remind you where you are and how far you’ve come with your own mental health journey. Being able to share this knowledge and experience is greatly helpful.
Yes, someone may be in a dark place or difficult time right now, but they are not going to be there forever. They can get up and make positive changes in their life. Also, comparing where you are and where others are can show that there’s a lot of power behind what mental health professionals do.
That’s a powerful sentiment! And it is a gift you can give to those you are helping.
4. Make time for yourself and your family
Mental health professionals often work long, intense hours. On top of regular working hours, there are also obligations like conferences and events that take up a lot of time and energy.
But everyone needs the ability to relax, connect with loved ones, and rest. Even if you work 7 days a week or have to always be by the phone or on-call, make time for yourself and your family. Schedule quality time during the day to be alone or with loved ones and let your mind check out from work.
5. Find activities that relieve stress
When you get really stressed out, that stress energy needs to be relieved somehow. Many activities are great for relieving stress. It doesn’t matter what the activity is, as long as it works for you.
Good stress-relieving activities might include exercises like going on walks or quiet activities like meditation or painting. Find something that you enjoy and that makes you feel better afterward.
6. Find a workout routine you like
Another great way to relieve stress and take care of yourself is to exercise. Maybe you are looking for something more intense than a neighborhood walk. Take up trail running, boxing, weightlifting, or whatever exercise you enjoy.
Find something that feels good for both the body and the spirit. Working out regularly also has the added benefit of boosting your physical health and encouraging other healthy habits that will make you feel better.
7. Speak with a medical professional
Self-care practices such as keeping routines, exercising, meditating, resting, and marking out time for yourself can be extremely powerful tools for improving your mental health. But sometimes these practices are not enough of a solution on their own.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, please speak with a medical professional. Receiving professional services such as going to therapy or taking prescribed medication may be the boost that your mental health needs.
Key takeaways
Helping others with their mental health is a noble, worthy cause. In order to be effective at helping others, it is important to show up as your best self. Avoid burnout, stress, or exhaustion by remembering to take care of yourself first. And remember that you don’t have to take work home with you. Use the 7 tips above to help take care of your physical and emotional wellbeing so that you can stay healthy and be great!
Whether you’re just beginning your sobriety journey, or have been on it for a while – Tele Med Clinix is here when you need us. If you or a loved one needs additional support this season or any other day – we are available 24/7 via our online booking portal. There you can schedule a FREE call with one of our professionals, or you can visit our additional resources, where you can learn more about how TMC can be there for you – every step of the way.
