June Self Care
The first self-care activity I plan to implement is keeping a diary. In order to be able to bring meaning to the patients’ lives, I need to be able to reflect. Keeping a diary can help develop empathy to support patients and avoid professional burnout. I have two jobs, both of which involve working with individuals who have mental illnesses or psychiatric disorders. Consequently, I have to find time to throw out some of the accumulated emotions and write them down in order to analyze.
July Self Care
I have filled out my diary during June, and it has not caused any internal struggle. I want to continue this practice and also add another one. Given that my work is about helping people with mental illness, I need to be able to distance myself emotionally from patients’ problems. To do this, I should be capable of recognizing and controlling emotions. Having learned to recognize them through keeping a diary, I want to start practicing meditation as a way to emotionally distance myself from outside influences. I also have my personal issues and a problem with arranging my life. Meditation might help me to keep myself relaxed even in difficult situations and strengthen my mental wellbeing. Additionally, this practice can be used even with such a busy schedule as mine and help organize my priorities and duties.
August Self Care
I have spent enough time on keeping a journal and meditation in June and July and have introduced these practices into my life successfully. Another activity I want to add is a healthy diet, as nutrition is another factor that can positively or negatively affect the emotional state. Even if I realize and control my emotions, poor nutrition can interfere with my emotional stability. I plan to give up fast carbohydrates and alcohol in August, as they improve my mood for a short time, but in the long run, they may negatively affect my emotional condition. Adding more greeneries and wholesome meals in my regular diet instead of semi manufactured food are expected to positively affect my health as well as my mood.