APS Magazine Spring 2022

Critical Incident Stress Management Corner During our most stressful times, our self-care often takes a backseat to everything and everyone else. This is often even more the case as helping professionals. We often find it is easier to focus on other responsibilities and obligations rather than to focus inward. Those of us in the field of helping others are compassionate and empathetic individuals, so it is typically just in our nature to support, guide and encourage others. However, when it comes to taking care of ourselves, we find reasons why we can’t or tell ourselves that we are too busy and just simply don’t have the time. It’s during these busy and stressful times that we need to take care of ourselves the most. This is when we really need to move our bodies, get enough rest, eat regular meals, and take time to just breathe. Practicing self-care not only helps us feel better but also allows us to function at our best so that we can continue to provide the support for those we care about the most.

While planning a fun getaway can be a wonderful way to take care of oneself, self-care doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. We can do little things throughout our day to take care of ourselves, like drinking enough water, taking an extra 5 minutes in the shower, eating lunch away from your computer, taking a moment to stand up and stretch, etc. You decide what you enjoy and will work for you. The key is to just be intentional and identify whatever you are choosing to do as self-care. As practicing self-care is often easier said than done, try to show yourself the same compassion that you show to others and allow yourself to take the time you need for you.

Submitted by Rebeca Estrada, PhD, Region 2 CISM Program Manager