Sometimes us psychotherapists and healers are so busy helping others learn how to give themselves the self care they need, we forget to give it to ourselves. There are different names for it, but I think “caregiver burnout” describes it perfectly. As Thanksgiving approaches, I realize I may be approaching burn out. As addicts and alcoholics, you know that old saying HALT (Hungry,Angry,Lonely, Tired) are the things you need to avoid or relapse may be a step away. I am definitely feeling tired. I am grateful for all the wonderful things this year has brought me, but at the same time, I need a big pause. As I watch myself go on autopilot, I realize that it is time to be still, meditate, slow down, and be present. Those are some of the things that are part of my self-care regimen. What about you?<\/p>\n
Most <\/span><\/p>\n Time <\/span><\/p>\n Make <\/span><\/p>\n For <\/span><\/p>\n Put <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Sometimes us psychotherapists and healers are so busy helping others learn how to give themselves the self care they need, we forget to give it to ourselves. There are different names for it, but I think “caregiver burnout” describes it perfectly. As Thanksgiving approaches, I realize I may be approaching burn out. As addicts and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":402,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-90","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-agoura-psychotherapist-westlake-village-psychotherapist-calabasas-psychotherapist-malibu-psychoth"],"yoast_head":"\n
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\nof us believe, in theory, that we should make efforts to take better
\ncare of ourselves, through better eating, more exercise, or working our
\nrecovery programs. But we can fall into the trap of forgetting to engage
\nor these behaviors. Under the surface, there might be another reason we
\ndon’t follow through: we don’t really believe that we deserve<\/i> to tend to our personal well-being. Self-care is often erroneously and critically labeled selfishness<\/i>. It’s not. Even Jesus and Gandhi took time for themselves, withdrawing from the crowds to tend to their spirits. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nspent in self-care fills us up so we can give of ourselves and not be
\nleft dried and shriveled up like last summer’s grapes left on the vine.
\nMost of us can relate to the feeling of running on empty. This
\nautomotive analogy is actually a good one. What can our car do for us
\nwith no gasoline in the tank? Be a large, shiny driveway ornament? Not
\nso useful. So why do we expect ourselves to be able to run and give and
\nwork and cook and clean and put on a happy face with nothing fueling us?
\nIt’s crazy, and it’s high time we kick crazy to the curb. <\/span><\/p>\n
\nyourself a priority. Make the time to do the things that fill you up.
\nFor some, it may be a leisurely stroll on the beach. For others, 30
\nuninterrupted minutes with a great book. Or a fabulous bike ride or
\ncoffee with your friends or seeing your loving therapist (see how I slid
\nthat one in?). Or seeing a movie in the theater<\/i>. It
\ndoesn’t have to be a week long trip to Tahiti (though if you get the
\nopportunity, I highly recommend jumping at it). In fact, they should be
\nthe small things that you love. The ones that bring you peace and a
\nsense of reconnection with yourself. Small things are doable and can be
\neasily incorporated into your everyday life. Pick a few and put them on
\nyour calendar, in your Blackberry, whatever — and then actually<\/i> do them.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nthose resisters who think, “I can’t possibly take that time. I won’t be
\nable to be there as much for my kids and spouse and boss” — stop making
\nexcuses. Because, honestly, that’s what that is. If your kids or spouse
\nor boss had to choose between someone who was happy and creative and
\nenergized when they were with them or someone who was barely hanging on
\nby a thread, who do you think they would choose? Who would you<\/i>
\nchoose? By investing in yourself, you create dividends to extend to
\nthose around you. When you’re running on empty, all you’re giving them
\nare your fumes. Not pleasant. <\/span><\/p>\n
\naside those faulty notions of the nobility of killing yourself for the
\ngreater good. Realize that your greatest gift to give others is the best
\nversion of yourself.<\/span> Remember, you are “enough” and that “more” is not always better, especially when you have too much on your plate. So go ahead, take that sacred pause. You absolutely deserve it.<\/p>\n