Let’s face it: working in the human service field can become overwhelming at times. Yes, there is a reason each and every one of us “happened upon” employment helping other people. You all have your own, personal understanding of why you are here.

But how often do you step back and take a look at your self-neglects, while you are busy assisting your consumers with their daily challenges? When spending a large part of the day tending to the needs of others it is easy to ignore our own needs. Are you able to recognize how stress affects your personal and professional relationships, your daily coping and your overall emotional and physical well-being? Not always!
Some of the common sources of stress placed upon us at the workplace are as follows:

• Trying to live up to expectations, (of our own, our consumers and our agency)
• Difficulty saying “NO”!
• Inability to set appropriate boundaries/limits
• Pushing ourselves too hard
• Heavy caseloads
• Emotional demands
• Time pressures
• Competing priorities
• Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!!
• Taking on too many responsibilities
• Being “people-pleasers”
• “Carrying” people who drain and distract us, (enabling vs. empowering)
• Difficulty prioritizing
• Ineffective time-management
• Working without breaking
• Not asking for help
• Unexpected interruptions/crises

So, what can we do to take care of ourselves, while taking care of others? The first step is to sit back and allow ourselves the time to become aware of what it is causing stress in our place of work, which ultimately reflects our personal lives. Acknowledge what may be making you feel overwhelmed, vulnerable, burned-out, frustrated, fatigued, restless or confused. It is important to feel comfortable in sharing your concerns with your supervisor, who may offer solutions and/or strategies in handling your challenges. Supervisors may also offer objective insight(s) to your personal work habits, as well. Communication is key.

Here are some ideas for relieving stress and taking care of yourself:

• Know and respect your limits. If you realize you need to take time off, do it!
• Take time for yourself every single day, (ie., schedule a massage, meditate, read, go see a movie, have dinner with a friend, get together with co-workers after work once in a while, etc.)
• Eat sensibly. Be mindful of the nutritional choices you make. Avoid excess alcohol and caffeine. Try to quit smoking. Drink water.
• Take a 15 minute walk at lunch. Or exercise when you get home. Go on a bike ride. Take a hike. Take a yoga class.
• Get adequate rest.
• Spend time with friends and family, those who offer nurture and support.
• Leave work at work.
• Notice any changes in your moods, habits, attitudes.
• Do not isolate.
• Evaluate how you use your time.
• If feeling extremely depressed or anxious, it may be beneficial to seek outside counseling.

Being self-nurturing and making opportunities to focus attention on oneself may not be an easy task for some of us. This is something we not only need to learn, but DESERVE in our lives. We must rely on ourselves, as no one else can make us stop, breathe, take a step back, think and make positive, healthy choices for ourselves. Start tomorrow. Try to begin your day by getting centered, clearing your mind of unnecessary baggage, taking some quiet time before you begin your day to focus on what is important. First, it should be YOU, so that you can be in a positive place to best serve those around you.