Who practiced self care today? Ok, let me be a bit more realistic and ask
who practiced self care this week?
During the last month? Yes, that’s
what I thought….it’s been a while!
I’m
sure you have a number of good reasons why you didn’t fit that into your
schedule. After all, you’re a play
therapist, you’re up to your elbows in paperwork, you have paint on your
favorite pants, you can find more glitter on your body than in the bottle, and
after a full day of clients you are ready for a hot shower and bed. Who would have time for self care after all
of that?
Many people assume that because you are a play therapist you spend your days “playing” with your clients. In all of that play you must be meeting some of your self care needs, right? Well, I hate to disappoint you and you probably already know the answer, but “No, you aren’t!”
Many of us spend time with
parents and caregivers reminding them of the importance of self care, yet we don’t
always practice what we preach. Why is
that? Well, my personal thought is that
most (if not all) of us in this profession are here because we are helpers by
nature and yet we fail to care for ourselves most often.
I challenge you to make time to care for yourself on a daily
basis even if it's five minutes a day.
You can do a one minute meditation between clients. Yoga moves are
always good to help you through the day. Drink water all day long to cleanse
your body, listen to music, watch something funny on YouTube, find a scent of
lotion or a candle that is pleasing to you. Let chocolate melt in your mouth –
resist the urge to chew it and swallow it. Eat healthy, take a brisk five
minute walk, or do something that makes your heart smile and your body feel
good. Don’t forget to eat your breakfast
and move away from your desk for lunch.
Take time to celebrate you and enjoy those you love. If all else fails, practice a random act of
kindness – it will not only make you feel good, but it will obviously make
someone else feel cared for! Now, step
away from the computer and go take care of yourself!
Stephanie Holloway is
a 1998 graduate of the University of Kansas with an MSW. She is a Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist –
Supervisor, StoryPlay® Practitioner and Facilitator, and she is serving her fourth
year on the Kansas Association for Play Therapy as Advisor to The Board. She has a private practice in Junction City, KS. Learn more about Stephanie on her website Play For Children and on her Facebook Page
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