Self-Care A-Z: Radical Self-Care in Toxic Times
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 U.S. culture is experiencing crises—politically, socially, ideologically, and otherwise! Social workers and other helping professionals have particularly complex roles in these toxic times. Our professional demands are heightened, even as our personal coping is challenged. Thus, attention to our own self-care is even more crucial. And, the crisis of this toxic time can be an opportunity to solidify self-care for personal well-being and professional sustainability.
Design a Hazmat Suit
An early post for this blog describes how to navigate a toxic organizational environment by constructing a hazmat suit. These hazmat design elements can be extrapolated to address the toxicity oozing into our societal culture. For example, we can educate ourselves about aspects of toxicity and how to address them. For instance, it’s helpful to understand that our country is experiencing a large-scale bullying system, permeated by toxic masculinity. Addressing any systemic toxicity requires sustained attention to one’s individual care.
Practice Radical Self-Care—Especially Now!
As I proposed recently, the metaphor of a mask to describe self-care is limited. A more expansive, holistic metaphor is self-care as breath. And, when feeling the effects of toxicity, putting on a mask often becomes necessary to retain our breath! This breathing mask means prioritizing self-care—especially when feeling pressure to neglect it! Don’t wait for things to get calmer; practice self-care now!
Especially during toxic times, keep resources—such as the A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook—handy for self-care tips and boosts. Keep a steady stream of reminders about practicing self-care on your feed! In addition to this blog, access myriad others online, such as this recent list of 12 tips. Join online self-care support groups. Integrate these reminders and resources as part of your daily routine! Share them with others to promote a culture of self-care.
And, Make Political Action Part of Self-Care
As helping professionals, we understand the complexity of change and the importance of empowerment. Nothing is more energy-sapping than feeling disempowered. In these toxic times, we must (re)claim the complexity of self-care, which includes empowerment for ourselves and others. “And” is one of my favorite words in the English language; frequently, I remark that “And” is a big, important word. Stay tuned for a blog post on the “And” of self-care. 😊
For now, Rachel Elizabeth Cargle aptly and succinctly clarifies the AND of personal and political self-care: “Meditate AND call your senator. Go to yoga AND go vote. Breathe deeply AND donate to causes that matter. Go on a retreat AND go support small businesses. Enjoy your essential oils AND check people on their BS....”
Use Crisis as Opportunity
As noted above, practicing self-care involves everything that contributes to healthy, sustained breathing. These toxic times can constitute a “breathing” crisis, with unhealthy coping, which can eventually lead to burnout. Yet, as the adage goes, every crisis is an opportunity. Let’s encourage each other to use this toxic time as an opportunity to learn how to design better hazmat suits, practice radical self-care, and make political action part of self-care!
Peace, Love, & Self-Care,
Erlene
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!