New Year (New Semester)

We're well into the new year and for many social work students (myself included) we are head first back into school. I hope the break was a much needed relief for everyone, as it was for myself.

Break was a good time to relax and take care of myself. As a social worker, and social work student, if becomes difficult to find those moments of time where we can just stop and let it all go. In school, particularly in undergrad, we put a huge emphasis on self-care and taking care of ones self.

I cannot speak for my Advanced Direct Practice counterparts, but as a PAC MSW student, the word "self-care" as been lost. As if we, as planners and community organizers and policy makers do not have the potential to become burnt out. However I know from experience that is not the case. Even as a student as I sat in on a House Committee Meeting yesterday I left exhausted, both physically and emotionally. I use a phrase that we have coined around here as "Arizona fatigue" and that is what I was feeling yesterday.

It is hard watching the programs that support the clients we serve be cut without a second thought. Direct Practice social workers are on the front lines all the time, but being up here where all the decisions are being made it not that much easier. Especially thinking about all the teachers and social workers that will continue to lose their jobs over the next few years.

After the meeting was over (I left early, 3 hours was a long time to sit and listen to politicians talk about tax cuts for corporations) I headed home. As many Master's students know, any free time you have is usually dedicated to reading but instead of popping open my program planning book for the lightrail trek home, I turned up my ipod and put on my favorite music that makes my toes tap and head bob. When I got home I put on my favorite TV show, got into my PJs and just relaxed. Sure I have a paper to write and a stack of reading to do, but I needed a little mini-mental break from social work. This morning I woke up rejuvenated, did some reading on the bus ride to internship and now I am ready to brave the Capitol once more.

We all need self-care every once and awhile, whether you are a school social worker helping elementary school children, a mental health provider, or an activist down at the Capitol being the voice for the social work population and for those who receive social services.

Find some time each day to just do something fun, relax or take your mind off of life's stresses and it will make it that much easier to get up the next day and give all that you've got.

I know it's hard because we're all busy and putting in 10+ hours per day, but it is worth it, even if your ten minutes of peace is the car ride home, you've earned it and you need it if you are going to continue to be competent in this profession.