Self-Care A-Z: Professional Self-Care for Social Workers, Part 2—Boundaries & Balance
by Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., LCSW, MSW, MRE, lead co-editor of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Helping Professionals
Professional self-care is crucial! This post continues Professional Self-Care for Social Workers Part 1, an array of excellent strategies that colleagues identified for professional self-care.
Boundaries
You’re not THAT important! Keneathia declares, “I’m not the end all!” She doesn’t connect work email to her personal phone. “If not on call, others can handle it.” McKenzie and others stress “leaving work at work—even paperwork.” Petina uses flex time, “so I don’t feel like I’m always working.” She adds, “Utilizing concurrent documentation” streamlines.
“Calgon” and Curtains! Relaxing baths at work may be prohibited, but you can get away! As the previous post emphasized, take breaks! Danielle says, “I make myself take lunch, and not talk about work.” Tiffany emphasizes, “Use [your] entire lunch break and leave office, which prevents interruptions.”
Cindy and others close their office door! Cathy’s whiteboard on her door alerts colleagues about her quiet work zone. Jennifer closes her door, lights a candle, and plays music while she “knocks off items on my checklist.” Lena, who works in “cube land,” has curtains she closes.
Multi-systems! Angela suggests making self-care part of staff meetings, supervision, and “check-ins.” Trace says to supervisees, “Before we start this conversation, will this make me angry or sad? If so, I may need to ease into it or talk later.” This modeling contributes to a culture of attending to emotional boundaries.
Kay recommends promoting a team norm of sequestered times for professional reading, paperwork, cleaning out emails, organizing office space, and so forth. Jennifer emphasizes that advocating for yourself and other staff is macro self-care. Nikki stresses being intentional about micro self-care strategies! (Stay tuned for a post on this topic.)
Balance
Prioritize, Organize, and Partialize (POP)! Tara writes, “As a single parent, I try to be present when at home. It’s hard; this work can be taxing.” Her strategies include: “Don’t overschedule! Take time off for ‘no reason.’ Leave work at work. Take breaks. Seek colleagues’ advice and address tensions promptly.”
Marva takes 15 minutes at day’s beginning to reflect, set an intention, and prioritize. At day’s end, clean off your desk, or have some ritual. Margarita has a basket in the entryway of her home where she drops her keys and watch, marking “off the clock.” (Don’t forget ta-da list! See previous post.)
Feed your professional spirit! Shaina advises, “Attending trainings and researching topics I’m curious about keeps me energized.” Use resources regularly! Jennifer says, “Reading Trauma Stewardship changed my life.” Laura emphasizes, “Especially during hectic times, I meet with my supervisor and my supervisees to process, problem-solve, and support.”
Reflect, Center, Serve! Marsha says, “Between clients, I journal about what arises for me, which keeps me from internalizing it.” Kathy advises structured reflection as part of supervision and team meetings. Patrie’s mindfulness app makes her “more focused.” Mary uses grounding exercises to connect with her five senses. Susan shares, “A Type A personality, I’m learning the importance of silence!” Amy declares, “Meditation!” Tracy incorporates mindfulness with clients—centering both them and her!
Self-care, ultimately, benefits those we serve. They deserve our best professional self-care!
Peace, Love, & Self-Care, Erlene
P.S. Are you Keeping your Word? How’s your BREATH?
Dr. Erlene Grise-Owens, Ed.D., 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!