Self-Care, A-Z: September Self-Care—Taking Stock and Strategizing Next Steps, Along With a KISS!

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 

      September 2018 marks two years for the Self-Care, A-Z blog. The blog provides a space to share our  struggles, strategies, and successes with self-care. On this anniversary, let’s pause to reflect.

Taking Stock & Strategizing Next Steps

     As I mentioned in the post on self-care NOW, I’m taking Gretchen Rubin’s challenge to use Labor Day to think about work life. (Professional Self-Care!) Rubin calls September the other January—a time to reflect on progress and priorities.

     Please, join me in taking stock of this blog—and the broader self-care movement. The blog seeks to connect us, build awareness, and encourage investment. In the past two years, as part of a growing self-care movement, this blog has considered myriad facets. We discuss micro  (e.g., individual self-care strategies); mezzo (e.g., support systems); macro (e.g., organizations), and even meta (global) dimensions. I especially appreciate wonderful guest contributors and Linda Grobman, who hosts the blog through The New Social Worker! Please, review previous posts and share with colleagues.

     In strategizing next steps: What would you like to see in this forum? What would you like to contribute? Potential topics include:

• reflections on “what I’ve learned about self-care”
• facets of professional self-care
• self-care resources
• self-care in organizations, teams, and accountability groups

     Unlimited topics: The forum is OURS!

Parallel Process for Individual Self-Care

     Likewise, join me in taking stock and strategizing next steps for individual self-care. Ask ourselves: Where am I in my self-care journey? What progress have I made? What strategies do I need for next steps?

     Through long-standing investment in self-care, I’m doing well, overall. I still identify specific ways to sharpen and solidify all self-care facets—professional, social, psychological, spiritual.  In strategizing next steps, I recognize that physical self-care needs most attention. I need more intentionally integrated daily activity. Personally and professionally, as the saying goes, “I sits and thinks…and sometimes I just sits.”  I adore yoga and I’m an avid walker! For me, they combine spiritual, physical, psychological, and sometimes social and professional self-care. But, chunks of my days involve sitting, reading, writing, conversing...Netflix binging. 😊

     In preparation for September’s (re)new, now self-care plan, I bought a fancy Fitbit watch. Although I’d worn a simple Fitbit for years, these updated features are newly motivating. Also, I’ve carried a yoga mat in my car, to attend yoga classes conveniently. Now, I placed a yoga mat in my office. If I can’t make a yoga class, I can take five minutes to do some yoga moves. See! Even those who’ve practiced self-care for years still struggle!

     Happy 2^nd A-to-Z Anniversary! Larry, my partner of 30+ years, and I continue working on our relationship. Likewise, one’s relationship with self-care requires ongoing attention, investment, humor, humility, compassion, fun, and just plain love. Oh, and don’t forget to KISS—Keep it Simple Self-Care.

     Through this blog and other avenues, let’s learn from and support each other in the journey; make our organizations healthier; and ultimately, offer best services and improve our communities and broader world. #selfcaremovement!

Peace, Love, and 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!