On Saturday, Janice Harris of the Music Therapy Show with Janice Harris had me on her show to talk about secondary trauma and self-care. We had a wonderful discussion. And it’s not too late to listen to the show! Click here if you are interested.
I’ve already had feedback from several people about the show. The topic seems important enough to also include on this blog. So here are the 8 tried-and-true ways to promote your own health and well-being:
- Use your personal support systems – and by personal, I mean non-work-related. Friends, family, pets…all of these count.
- Create professional support network – A professional support network comes in many forms
- Diet – Listen to your mom. Eat your fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts…
- Exercise – Hopefully a no-brainer.
- Relax and Unwind – You already know what works for you. A colleague once told me she drinks a glass of scotch and smokes a cigar after a tough day. I say “yuck!” I myself enjoy a glass of wine, a leisurely stroll, and massage.
- Leave It Behind – Turn off your computer. It can wait until tomorrow.
- Get Organized – I forgot to mention this on the show this weekend, but getting (and staying) organized can significantly reduce your stress level. A chaotic environment = Increased stress.
- Treasure your Sacred Rituals – We all have little daily routines that keep us grounded. It could be a bed-time ritual. It could be a wake-up routine. For me, I treasure the one hour I get to myself to work out in the morning. I do not give that up easily.
I also had several friends on Facebook who shared what they do to take care of themselves:
- “Playing piano — just for me!” – Janice
- “Ditto- but mostly guitar. Also, scheduling “me time” to self-nurture. Makes a big diff in my week when I remember to schedule time for me.” – Jenn
- “Massage, a good book, mental health days” – Ginny
- “Wide range of things depending on what’s going on. I find that I need a lot of options to choose from to fit life’s many crazy situations.” – Sarah
- “I enjoy always enjoy a massage or getting some exercise.” – Kara
- “Wow…awesome ideas! I would add taking time to enjoy a drink (coffee, tea, wine, diet coke).” – Me (note picture above)
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