So you work as a social care worker and realize that you need to do a little more to care for yourself. But where to start? Let us help guide you…

STAY HEALTHY

Health often promotes happiness! Eat well and try to manage a balanced diet (even around crazy shifts and schedules!), and try to exercise when you can. This doesn’t necessarily need to be strenuous gym shifts or long runs – particularly when you’re on night shifts or back-to-backs – but can be walking in the fresh air or taking fifteen minutes to stretch out after a day at work.

Exercise promotes serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’, so is great to promote better wellbeing – and of course, keeps you healthier physically, too.

TAKE TIME OUT AND TIME OFF

Social care is a sector in which it’s all too easy to get totally wrapped up in your work. Ensure that you use your holiday allowances fully, and use the time off or away to completely remove yourself from your social care jobs.

Focus on you: you don’t need to travel anywhere exotic or indeed travel at all, but you do need some time to do what you like, rest and recoup a little.

KEEP COMMUNICATIVE

It’s important that you talk through your stresses, and remain open and honest through difficult or straining periods. This may be with your friends, family, therapist, or colleagues.

Although this may not always feel natural – and indeed you’ll probably have confidentiality clauses to remain mindful of – it’s critical that others around you understand any burdens you’re under and how you’re coping with them. There’s no shame in asking for help when you need it, and remaining open-minded to that fact even when you don’t.

DO THINGS YOU ENJOY!

Instagram would have you think that self-care is all bubble baths and face masks, and it’s not just that… but that’s definitely part of it. Do activities you enjoy – reading, walking, yoga, lounging in the bath, watching Disney films, shopping, eating – whatever your ‘thing’ is, indulge in it. Whilst realistically doing the things you love should never be just a ‘treat’, working life often makes it so.

Enjoy the time you have doing what you love and try to make time for it whenever you can. It’ll boost your mood and give you a healthier work/life balance. Win-win!