Self-Care A-Z: Self-Care and Your Work-Space Environment
by Ramaia Coleman, MSW, CSW
September is time to RE-SET our professional self-care. Our work-space environment is an often-neglected, but impactful, part of professional self-care.
Take Care of YOU, Beyond the “Boo-Boo”
As helping professionals, increasingly, we’re told the importance of self-care, which is usually interpreted as taking time away from work roles. We’re told to “refill our cups” so we can continue to be of benefit to those we serve. For many, this personal self-care involves going for pedicures and manicures, taking a vacation, or even doing some “retail therapy.”
But, how long does that feeling of peace or relaxation last? Is this self-care just a temporary fix? Oftentimes, we put a Band-Aid on our situation. Band-Aids are fine for a minor “boo-boo,” bad day. But, long term, we need to do things, beyond the Band-Aid, to sustain the deeper peace needed to be fully engaged and productive helping professionals.
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Check Your Surroundings
Through years of practice, I’ve learned the importance of looking for opportunities in everyday environments to create spaces that promote self-care. Most of us work in environments of (what we call) “organized chaos.” We become accustomed to dealing with crisis situations, making quick decisions, experiencing constant changes to our schedules. We acclimate to having multiple stacks of paper here and there, grabbing fast food to shove down our throats while we’re in the car, and working late to hit our documentation goals.
In our (mal)adjustment to this chaos, we don’t take the time to realize the importance of noticing our work-space. We ignore the colors, smells, sounds, and textures that surround us routinely. We don’t notice how all our senses work together to affect us. These everyday elements can promote positive emotions and help us release feelings such as frustration, guilt, and sadness.
Become More Mindful of Your Space
If you’re in this chaotic state, I urge taking some time to reflect about how to rearrange your surroundings. This attention can create a more relaxed, calm environment. Be mindful of your wall colors, furnishings, art, and other décor. Notice even the scents you have in your space. All these elements affect you and, when used purposefully, can promote a more peaceful state.
Even the process of creating this space is therapeutic. As you rid yourself of the stack of unnecessary paperwork, and, instead make a place of serenity, it becomes a stress relief. Doing this work-space update can bring you not only peace, but a sense of accomplishment.
I’m not suggesting you knock down walls or repaint your office. Everyone’s situation differs. But, as part of professional self-care, make some adjustments to your work-space (including your car, possibly). I think you’ll agree that, when your environment is more peaceful, you’ll feel different and even want to be there more.
So, take some time to do a small project and build from there. (If possible, involve your work team.) Eventually, you’ll get to your place of peace. And, your work-space will become a valuable part of your professional self-care.
Ramaia Coleman, MSW, CSW, is a graduate of Spalding University School of Social Work in Louisville, KY. She has worked in child protective services, served as a clinical supervisor for a foster care agency in Tennessee, and worked in medical social work. She currently works as a Treatment Services Coordinator for a foster care agency in Louisville, KY. Her goal is to help others see that self-care is more than a short-term fix. She hopes to help those new to the field utilize self-care from the beginning of their careers.