During challenging times, including times of war, self-care is a necessity for those who support others. Many of us are impacted by the ongoing war currently taking place in Israel in a variety of ways. It is critical that we take care of ourselves so that we can continue to support the community members who reach out to us. Here are some important self-care tips we put together to support YOU.
C – Create Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries.
A – Ask for Support: Seek supervision, consult with colleagues, and ask for help when needed.
R – Reflect Regularly: Engage in self-reflection and journal your thoughts and emotions.
E – Engage in Respite: Take regular breaks and prioritize time off to rest and recharge.
T – Take Care of Your Physical Well-being: Maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and get adequate sleep.
H – Harness Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to manage stress.
E – Extend Your Support Network: Lean on your friends, family, and colleagues for support. Maintain connections. Who can be your “support buddy”?
R – Regularly Check Your Emotional State: Periodically evaluate your mental and emotional well-being. Let go of judgmental thoughts.
A – Appreciate Yourself: Be compassionate and kind to yourself, acknowledging your own needs.
P – Pursue Hobbies and Interests: Engage in activities you enjoy outside of work.
I – Inform, But Limit Exposure: Stay informed but avoid excessive exposure to distressing news.
S – Stay Adaptable: Be flexible in your therapeutic approach to meet the changing needs of your clients.
T – Take Professional Help If Necessary: Seek your own therapy and counseling if needed.
Remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for therapists during challenging times. By recalling “CARE THERAPIST,” you can remember these important self-care strategies, and by taking care of yourself, you can continue to provide to support others.
A Message from The Jewish Board
If you live in the New York metropolitan area and need help coping with stress in times of crisis, we can help. Call us at 1.844.ONE.CALL to speak with an intake specialist.
