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Heal The Healer
Start Your Self Care Journey
Healers and carer’s need healing and self care too.
In the demanding world of healthcare, professionals often prioritize patients' well-being over their own. I often witness this in my sessions with clients, and noticed this common trend that has to end! This selfless dedication, while admirable, can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and diminished quality of care. It’s imperative for healthcare providers to recognize that self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. By initiating self-healing practices without delay, they can enhance their well-being and, consequently, the care they provide to others.
The Healer's Paradox
“Healing begins the moment you accept that perfection is not required—only the courage to start.”
Healers frequently operate under the misconception that they must be entirely free of personal challenges to effectively assist others. This belief can result in postponing self-care, waiting for an ideal state of personal well-being that may never materialize. However, embracing one’s imperfections and commencing the healing journey can be profoundly empowering.
The Imperative of Self-Care
“Self-care is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation.”
Self-care encompasses deliberate actions to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. For healthcare professionals, this involves setting boundaries, seeking support, and engaging in restorative activities. The Royal College of Nursing emphasizes that self-care enables individuals to “influence their level of well-being,” highlighting its role in balancing the effects of stress.
Overcoming Barriers to Self-Healing
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Begin where you are with what you have.”
Despite understanding its importance, many healthcare workers struggle to implement self-care due to time constraints, workplace culture, or personal beliefs. Aggie Stewart, a yoga teacher and author, observes that healthcare professionals may be more susceptible to burnout and compassion fatigue, underscoring the need for self-care.
Source: Welldoing: Self-Care for Healthcare Professionals
Practical Steps to Initiate Self-Healing
“Small acts of self-care are the foundations of a resilient mind and body.”
Acknowledge the Need: Recognize that self-care is essential for personal health and professional efficacy.
Set Realistic Goals: Begin with manageable changes, such as incorporating short breaks into your day to connect with your flow, center yourself or practicing mindfulness for a few minutes daily.
Seek Support: Engage with peers, practitioners, mentors, or professional counselors to share experiences and gain insights. Create your self care team.
Establish Boundaries: Learn to say no when things are not in alignment with your values, goals and priorities and allocate time for personal rejuvenation.
Engage in Restorative Activities: Participate in hobbies or practices that bring joy and relaxation, such as yoga, reading, or nature walks.
The Ripple Effect of Self-Healing
“When you heal yourself, you inspire others to begin their healing journey.”
By prioritizing self-care, healthcare professionals not only enhance their well-being but also model healthy behaviors for colleagues and patients. This proactive approach can lead to a more compassionate and effective healthcare environment.
As Yoko Ono aptly stated, “Healing yourself is connected with healing others.”
Source: Parmaks: 130 Healing Quotes to Inspire Your Healing Journey
Start Small Today
The journey of self-healing doesn’t require perfection or complete readiness. It’s about taking the first step, however small, and committing to ongoing self-care. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to embrace self-healing now, without waiting for an ideal moment. By doing so, they honor their own needs and enhance their capacity to heal others. Start with a 5 min action of self care for example a 5 min body scan before bed. You got this.
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