How do we know when we have practiced good self-care?? How do we know if we haven't? If we are self-aware (see Standard #2 of the NASW Standards for Cultural Competence for details), we will have a lot of clues and signals that tell us we are in trouble or are "in the zone." I have read a LOT of books and journal articles about when we are in trouble (burnout, compassion fatigue, secondary post traumatic stress), but I have not read much about the positive side of good self care.What are the clues that we are doing well or "in the zone" for healthy social work practice? Here is my big clue: The last time I woke up at 3:00 am and couldn't go back to sleep was so long ago I can't tell you exactly when it was.
When I started this post, I imagined having a long list of clues. Hmmm. Not that easy. This will be a work in progress. Share your clues that you are "in the zone" and doing well.
P.S. I just discovered Amy Baird's Life in Brief blog (what a great example of how a Web 2.0 social worker). Keep up the good work Amy!
2 comments:
I have nothing but the utmost respect for what you do. Your comment about not waking up at 3:00 a.m. in a long time was very interesting. My education is Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis on adolescence. However, I didn't continue with counseling as I had once planned, because I felt I just couldn't be objective about kids. Thank goodness for people like you!
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Your blog shows the importance of self-reflection for personal and professional growth. Thank you for visiting my blog!
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