Self-Care A-Z: Best Self-Care Advice for Social Workers—From the Experts

by Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals 

     In my last post, I encouraged that we consider our own best self-care advice and (re)commit to following it.  Since then, I’ve heard from readers and asked my self-care circles about Best Self-Care Advice.   

     True—the best self-care advice is that which you give yourself. And, successful and sustainable self-care involves sharpening current practices and building one’s repertoire. Advice from others sparks new ideas, reminds us of something we did previously and need to resurface, and reinforces or refines our own self-care practice. So, let’s hear from some experts.

Keep it Simple.

     Larry advises, “Lower expectations.” Or, taking a strengths perspective, he elaborates, “Focus on small successes and steps.” For example, when tackling a major project, partialize it into smaller bits, and celebrate when you finish each one. Similarly, Nicole recommends, “Just get started.”  She maintains regular exercise by telling herself to “Just do it for a few minutes”—and, usually ends up on longer runs and workouts. After years of intentional self-care, Jessica encourages: “Don’t judge the ‘why’ of self-care. Any reason is a good reason. Start where you are. And, things will evolve.”

Plan, Prioritize, and Use Prompts. 

     Jay urges, “Make a plan. Work the plan.” He emphasizes, “Self-care doesn’t just happen; it requires intentional planning.” Patrick declares, “Put it on the calendar.” This advice is an excellent strategy for activating a self-care plan by explicitly prioritizing self-care commitments. Calendars—and other forms of tracking self-care—are important accountability measures. Tammy asserts, “Use prompts!” Daily journaling, with reflection prompts, keeps her focused on self-care.  Also, she uses vision boards and affirmations as visible prompts in her routine environment to remind and inspire her.

Make Self-Care a Lifestyle.

     Self-care is a wholistic approach to life. Megan shares that she’s taking into account her work schedule in ways that promote self-care. She’s scheduling morning workouts and working later some days. Likewise, she’s “saying no” to late evening obligations—when she needs rest. Tameka shares a life lesson that COVID crystallizes for many: “Self-care includes nurturing those connections that are mutually healthy and putting boundaries around those that are not.” As Mindy asserts, “Thread self-care into your daily practices and thought processes. Self-care is essential in living our ‘best life.’ Do a personal inventory on your circumstances, values, and goals. Then, create a self-care plan, which accounts for personal and professional boundaries that intentionally balance your energy and goals.”

Practice Self-Compassion.

     Linda advises, “Be patient with your self-care. Let the process play out, and don't push it so hard that it becomes detrimental rather than helpful. Adjust goals when necessary.” Laura emphasizes, “You never know what may arise in your self-care journey. Be attentive, kind, and accepting of yourself. Your self-care will and should look different depending on your life circumstances. Just be sure self-care is your steadfast companion on the journey.”  Self-care is embedded in a broader culture of oppressive structures and toxicity. Yvonne counsels, “Self-care includes being aware of these dynamics. Educate yourself; knowledge is power. Be gentle with yourself, get rest, have fun. Remember, self-care is part of sustaining your important work—not an exception from it!” And, as Donia’s self-care mantra declares, “You are enough!”

You Do You!

     Self-care is individualized, which requires self-awareness.  As Toya observes, “My best self-care practice is to know myself and embrace adventures.” She uses mindfulness practices, such as playing her Tibetan drum, to “bring awareness and clarity.” Self-knowledge helps identify individualized self-care emphases. For instance, Kathy’s self-care goals include “more movement and engaging in creative activities (art, writing) several times weekly.”  Peg’s goals prioritize “reading more and getting out into nature (gardening, cycling).”  The Best self-care is what works for you.

Keep it Going.

     Your turn! What’s your Best Self-Care Advice?  (Re)commit to following it. Consider how the above expertise might inform and inspire your self-care journey. Please, use this ongoing Self-Care, A-Z blog as a resource for deepening your self-care commitment and competence. Talk with your connections, including colleagues—e.g., have team members share best self-care advice. Sharing our struggles, strategies, and successes reinforces and refines a #SelfCareMovement, which increasingly redefines self-care as a way of being—in our work and broader world. Keep the self-care synergy going!

Peace, Love, & Self-Care, Erlene

Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, EdD, LCSW, MSW, MRE, is a Partner in The Wellness Group, ETC.  This LLC provides evaluation, training, and consultation for organizational wellness and practitioner well-being. Dr. Grise-Owens is lead editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals.  As a former faculty member and graduate program director, she and a small (but mighty!) group of colleagues implemented an initiative to promote self-care as part of the social work education curriculum. Previously, she served in clinical and administrative roles. She has experience with navigating toxicity and dysfunction, up-close and personal! Likewise, as an educator, she saw students enter the field and quickly burn out. As a dedicated social worker, she believes the well-being of practitioners is a matter of social justice and human rights. Thus, she is on a mission to promote self-care and wellness!

For more on self-care for social workers, see The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals.