Tips on how to look after your mental health as a Career Development Practitioner

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Ntsoaki Kala
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Tips on how to look after your mental health as a Career Development Practitioner

“Troubled? Then stay with me, for I am not.” Haviz

As a Psychologist and Career Practitioner, a large part of my service has been about creating the safe space where my client can feel their fears, express their concerns yet, also hope and stretch their imagination around what is possible in their careers and lives. I create an untroubled space where I am not immersed in their fears but rather an objective observer, a guide that can support them through their choices. In order to craft this space, what is needed for me as the practitioner, is to feel focused and clear of my own worries, albeit just for the session.

What has made this time in our lives so unique is that we as practitioners are emersed in the same unpredictability, uncertainty and fear that our clients are facing. We are not separate from the increasing levels of anxiety, depression, despair and grief. So, in addition to holding the suffering of our clients, we too are holding our own fears, worries and concerns about our future. This over time, can become an increasingly heavy burden, one that can negatively impact our own sense of well-being and mental health.

As practitioners, we are experienced in being of assistance, in helping, advising and supporting others, however, we may not be as attentive in the act of caring for our own needs. As our focus this month is on Mental Health placing our attention on how we as practitioners can care for our own needs, is an essential skill we need to foster actively. As by “doing the work” ourselves we become powerful examples to others, to do the same.

Self-care is not the same for everyone, what supports me in relaxing and recovering will not be the same for you, and that’s ok. The intention is to select activities that nourish and nurture you, and offer you a break from the heavy burdens you may carry on a daily basis. Notice what feels good for you, and how you feel afterwards, see how you can incorporate one of these suggestions into your daily routine.

  • Rhythm: Our nervous systems like to be soothed, and often a rhythm can create a sense of comfort. So, consider incorporating a daily activity that can create a sense of rhythm namely singing, humming to a song, rocking in a hammock, walking, dancing.
  • Balance: Consider one thing you can adjust that will offer a greater sense of balance in your life, this can be in your nutrition, daily movement, mental self-care. For example, add one class of water in the morning to your daily routine, spend 5 minutes a day dancing to your favourite song, or give yourself a mental silence while you enjoy a cup of your favourite tea.
  • Connect: Connect with a friend, loved one or animal, spend some time feeling the love of the connection. Love has a way of rejuvenating our hearts and spirits.
  • Energy audit: Remain mindful of how you feel when you engage in different experiences, notice whether you feel as though you have more energy or less. Certain environments, people and tasks drain us of energy. How can you make one small adjustment to manage your energy?
  • Love: We can check in, in the moment, and ask ourselves “what would feel like love to me, in this moment?” It may be connecting with a friend, nourishing your body, or taking a nap. Developing the habit of checking in with yourself and offering the nurture you need can be a wonderful habit of self-care.
  • Formal support: Having our own Coach, Mentor, Psychologist or Counsellor can be a helpful way to debrief, build skills and manage with our daily stresses. Free resources: https://www.opencounseling.com/hotlines-za

See if you can be as committed to your own mental health and self-care as you are to your clients. By being mindful of what we need in order to feel balanced and healthy, can ensure we can continue supporting our clients in meaningful ways. Don’t feel it needs to be something drastic, often the smallest changes over time, add up!

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Compiled by Gillian Donà: Registered Industrial Psychologist and Career Coach

See our contact details below:

Telephone: 086 999 0123

Please call me / sms: 072 204 5056

Fax: 012 323 1138

Email: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za

Website: www.careerhelp.org.za

National Career Advice Portal (NCAP): http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerhelp