Tumblers, Toes, and Time Off: Resetting During Compassion Fatigue
Photo by: @aleksandraboguslawska
**We’re mixing it up a bit. Instead of hearing from me as usual, Iris Calhoun Stevens has taken the wheel. In addition to being an associate Licensed Professional Counselor who works with children and adolescents, she’s also a school counselor. Oh, and she’s out for the summer.
Day 1 of Summer Break 2024. May my toes feel the sand, and my Tumbler (filled with my favorite DRANK) never leave my hand. Lol!
But seriously, it was a long, rough year, and I don't have the same energy or mental stamina as I did 14 years ago.
Enduring Compassion Fatigue taught me (yet again) not to just preach Self-Care but practice it. But it also taught me the best method, which is to totally DISCONNECT.
Disconnect PHYSICALLY - leave work on time! Working late drains you, and you are working late drained. Go home and rest to face those tasks refreshed the next day.
Disconnect MENTALLY - be disciplined in what you do and do it well without fail. Stop rehashing events AFTER it was handled. Take work email off your personal phone. You got access to it when you need it.
Nothing can be done (but unnecessary overthinking) when you get that email at 10pm. And those 10pm emails you send will not get read until after 3pm the next day.
Disconnect EMOTIONALLY - stop forcing personal connections with the people you work with. Friendships happen naturally. Be a good and kind co-worker, and the responsibility stops there. Still practice Empathy but know and keep your boundaries.
DISCONNECT means you were once CONNECTED, and you are connected in all 3 above WHILE AT WORK. Don't bring work home. Even though my commute to work is literally 3 minutes, I carefully select my "Go To Work" song and "Leaving Work" song because they help me do that code switch in my brain.
I might start out with gospel and be singing my heart out as I turn in the parking lot.
Then at the end of the day, Sally's speakers will be thumping the most inappropriate gangster rap song as I turn the curve on 3 wheels.
So I'm taking care of me this summer.
Naturally, l'll do a little work here and there but my priority is to do things I enjoy and to also DO NOTHING. My job can get heavy on the emotional side as students, teachers, Admin, and parents rely on what I think for delicate issues.
My mind needs to REST.
Wishing you much rest,
Iris
Iris Calhoun Stevens is an associate licensed professional counselor who treats children and adolescents who experience anxiety and behavioral and school-related issues. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Iris, go to https://www.heart-mind-soul.com/staff-directory/iris-calhoun-stevens.
P.S. Hey, it’s Sheila here. I’m co-hosting a mini-retreat with my good friend Leslie Slemmons on Sunday, June 30th, from 2:00 to 3:30 at Jiva Yoga Center on Hilton Head Island.
There will be gentle yoga, a moment of mindfulness meditation, and self-reflection. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stressed or just want some time to yourself, come and join us. By the end of our time together, you’re sure to feel rested, rooted, and restored.
Here’s the link to sign up:
https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws?studioid=7360&stype=-8&sView=day&sLoc=0&sTrn=100000307&date=06/30/24
