Summer is a good time to take your vacation days, go outside, and take a step back from the craziness life can bring. Taking care of ourselves shouldn’t end in the summer; we should carry that relaxing summer mindset throughout the entire year. Self-care tips are abundant on the internet and social media, but what about those tailored explicitly for Certified Rehabilitation Counselors? We thought it was best to go right to the source – CRCs themselves!
Tips on Self-Care Practices from Certified Rehabilitation Counselors
We gathered some advice from CRCs as they shared their self-care tips. With so many counselors self-reporting symptoms of burnout, these are all simple reminders we can use to make sure we take care of ourselves, both personally and professionally, as rehabilitation counselors.
“Hunger might not be on the top of your mind on a really busy day — keep something light handy and make sure to give yourself something to get through those heavy caseload days.” – Jill F., CRC
Food is fuel. Even on the busiest days, it’s essential to make sure you’re nourished and ready to take on what’s ahead. Skipping meals can lead to low energy and make a tough day even harder. Keeping a small snack nearby can provide the extra boost you need to stay focused and energized, both for yourself and your clients.
“Stopping to take 10 slow breaths is surprisingly effective. Trust your gut if you feel a little off and pause when you need to!” – Elizabeth B., CRC
Sometimes it’s as simple as that. Take a moment for yourself and breathe deeply to regroup. Trust your gut, your body knows best. If you need a break or just a moment to reset, that’s practicing self-care. Small pauses like these can improve your overall well-being and help you show up fully in your role as a rehabilitation counselor.
“You’ll have down days, and it’ll frustrate you because you want to be your best. The secret isn’t ignoring the down day, it’s identifying that it’s time to pause and find ways to reconnect to what keeps you going.” – Tam S., CRC
Part of self-care is recognizing that not every day will be a good day. Instead of pushing through, use these moments as opportunities to listen to yourself and consider what you really need. Taking time to step back and reflect can help you reconnect with yourself and restore your energy.
“You might feel stuck on some cases, but trust your education and knowledge — you’re equipped to handle more than you know.” – Alexandra E., CRC
Self-care isn’t only physical, it’s also about how you care for your mind. Trust in yourself and your training. Rehabilitation counselors are highly skilled professionals, and remembering that you’re equipped to handle more than you think can provide reassurance and confidence on tough days.
CRCs Can Prioritize Clients and Themselves!
They say you can’t pour from an empty cup, and it’s true. Making sure you care for yourself physically and mentally throughout the year is vital to providing the best care for others. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s a strength that allows you to continue making a difference season after season.
Check our blog on counselor burnout for more helpful tips!
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