Many people who seek out our services as therapists forget that we, too, are human beings and are subject to burnout and stress just like everyone else. We have obligations to our loved ones, financial commitments, and other responsibilities that take priority. Whether the source of best psychologist near me is professional or private, each has developed strategies for coping with it. After all, it's crucial to take care of your own mental health and wellness if you plan on helping others with theirs.
When under stress, the professionals recommend the following self-care measures.
Get “Off the Grid” and Unplug #1.
Talkspace therapist Jor-El Caraballo, LMHC, notes, “News can be ever-present and may exacerbate stress, depression, and anxiety.” We may be increasing our levels of depression and anxiety by constantly comparing ourselves to others, as one author puts it. Do your best to unplug from all sources of stimulation at least once a day, whether that's social media, television, the news, or anything else. The next best thing, according to Caraballo, is to “be more mindful about how you use your smartphone and how much time you spend mindlessly scrolling your social media feeds.”
Don't only think about things; feel them in your body.
Get out of the office and into the great outdoors by visiting a park or the beach. Clinician and University of Michigan psychiatrist Dr. Sheila Marcus said, “I make it a point to exercise daily,” in an interview with The Huffington Post. “Swimming is one of my favorite ways to unwind at the end of a long day, while spinning provides a good workout first thing in the morning. Mindfulness meditation, which I really enjoy, is something else I'm doing. Getting away from your thoughts and routines allows you to return to them refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Third, Humor Is the Best Treatment
Stress relief through laughter is as effective as the old adage claims. New York therapist Cherise White LMSW told the publication Prevention that “research has shown that there are a number of physiological effects of laughter,” including a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in dopamine and other brain chemicals linked in happiness. White argues that laughter—even at one's own foibles—”makes what we experience daily feel lighter and puts things in perspective.”
Fourth, Establish a Routine That Serves You
Establishing a pattern that you can count on gives you stability and predictability, which makes it easier to deal with life's stressful surprises. Arizona clinical psychologist Dr. Christina Hibbert told PsychCentral, “As a psychologist and mom of six, I must admit I feel stressed more often than I'd like.”
My routines are the most effective tool in my arsenal against the management of stress. Some of these include going for a run first thing in the morning, reading the Bible, meditating, and praying, eating energizing foods, and going to sleep early enough to have a good night's sleep (when the kids would allow me!). When we're feeling overwhelmed by stress, sticking to a schedule might help us feel like things are back in order.
