Uncomplicating Self-Care

I got my first introduction to the idea of self-care when I was in graduate school to become a marriage and family therapist. The importance of it was preached to me in many of my classes and for good reason. As a mental health professional, I support others in taking care of themselves, learning about who they are and how they came to be that person, and healing and, in the process, carry not only my own emotions through life, but also theirs. So yes, I understood that managing my stress and taking care of myself too would be important for both my wellbeing and in order to be present and helpful as a therapist, but what does it mean exactly and how do I do it? Where do I fit it in between school, work, and my other responsibilities? If these are the questions running through your mind too, you’re not alone.

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A Simple Plan for Managing Anxiety in a Stressful Time

In this time of COVID-19 we have all found ourselves in, anxieties are high. We, as a global community, are encountering circumstances we have never faced before - a pandemic, home quarantine, inability to be with friends, family, and colleagues, etc. - and without a timeline for its progression. Uncertainty is aplenty and, where there is uncertainty, there can be anxiety. Taking care of ourselves, including learning to manage anxiety, may be more important than ever.

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