Professional Self-Care for Social Workers, Part 1—Supports, Resources, Rituals, Routines, Basics, & Senses

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 

     The typical understanding of self-care is that it happens outside work. However, professional self-care—practicing self-care as part of work—is crucial!

     My next two posts provide an excellent array of specific professional self-care strategies gleaned from colleagues. Which strategies do you incorporate? What would you add? Adopt a new strategy into your SMART self-care plan!

Supports & Resources

     Ask for “PIE!” Michele asserts, “Speak up when overwhelmed!” Mary shares, “I ask peers for advice, so I don’t feel alone.” Fred prioritizes psychotherapy and massage appointments on his calendar.  Wade Drury’s post on PIE is a stellar approach to professional self-care.

     Access ALL benefits! Larry stresses, “See agency benefits as self-care!” (e.g., EAP services, retirement, insurance, staff development, supervision, and so forth) Tammy reports, “I take a ‘sick day’ when I’m sick of working so much!”

Rituals & Routines

     Sprinkle self-care here and there! Erin has a favorite pen and mug. Tonya posts affirmations in her car and office. Rosa has a quote of the day. Donna plays her “theme song” when stressed. Helen rings a chime when transitioning to a new task. Nikki emphasizes, “MICRO self-care, like giggling with a colleague in passing!”

     Do you! Identify what works for you! Gillian said, “I didn’t realize it was part of my self-care until you asked; I put on something meaningful, as a tangible reminder to care for myself (e.g., my grandmother’s earrings).” Elisa said, “I take time to get ready in the morning. A put-together outfit really helps.” Jennifer colors at work to “decompress.” She reads TMZ during lunch, “vegging.”

     To Do! Ta Da! LeAnn and Jessica do the thing they dread most, first thing! Teresa said our work can feel “defeating.” She lists her accomplishments throughout the day, even small things. “This shift from what I didn’t do to what I did has amazing effects.” (See Gretchen Rubin’s Ta DA list!)

Basics & Senses

     Rest, Eat, Move!  Kareemah schedules workouts as part of her work plan. Also, she has “a pillow and blanket in my car, and on lunch break I retreat and nap.” Laine keeps walking shoes in her desk drawer for regular walks, including walking meetings. Jeff does Tai Chi classes at work. When I worked in a particularly toxic environment, the organization’s yoga class was my top priority!

     Scheduling breaks is essential professional self-care! Ashley says, “Leave the office!” Carmen and others eat lunch in nearby parks. Shaina, who’s on the road constantly, advised, “Carry healthy snacks and hydrate!”

     Engage Senses! Cindy said, “When working early or late, I stop to savor the sunrise or sunset from my office window.” Molly lights eucalyptus candles and sips a cup of coffee. Janice uses her lavender roll. Freda routinely walks near her office to “enjoy the beauty of the mountains, along with smells and sounds of outdoors.”

     Megan’s energized by listening to music on headphones. Patrie listens to books on tape while doing mundane tasks. And, Kerry summarizes: “Chocolate!”

     Stay tuned! My next post will have more professional self-care strategies!

Peace, Love, and Self-Care, Erlene

P.S. Remember! Keep our 2019 self-care word: BREATHE!

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!