Self-Care Tips for School Counselors

As school counselors, you are tasked with supporting the emotional and mental well-being of your students. Everything from providing individual and group counseling, assisting with academic planning, connecting and educating students’ guardians, to providing recourses, you are there for your students. However, it's crucial to remember to practice self-care as a school counselor while you take care of our future generations.

Below are some self-care tips to keep in mind.

Set Boundaries

Easier said than done, yes, but it's important to set clear boundaries with your students, colleagues, and even in your personal life to ensure that you have time to recharge and take care of yourself. This can include setting limits on after-hours availability or saying no to additional responsibilities that would overextend you.

Here are a few examples of boundaries to set:

Set limits on the amount of time you dedicate to work and make sure to prioritize taking breaks and utilizing your PTO.

1. Set limits on the information you are comfortable sharing with students, parents, and colleagues.
2. Learn how to say no, and not take on more responsibilities than you are able to handle.
3. Carve out time for your hobbies, exercise, and other activities that help you relax and recharge.
4. Seek out support from colleagues, supervisors, or a mentor, in order to process the demands of your job and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Be mindful of your own physical and emotional well-being and take care of yourself when needed.

Relax & Take Breaks

Relaxation techniques can be difficult to initiate, but they are both beneficial in preventing stress as well as managing present stress. A few relaxation techniques include deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Experiment and see which techniques work for you then make time to incorporate them into your routine.

While prioritizing relaxation, also prioritize taking a break from it all. It's easy to get caught up in the demands of your job, but it's important to schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. This could include a relaxation technique like yoga or it could be as simple as a lunch break away from your desk.

Seek Support

It's important to have a support system to help you navigate the challenges of your job. Don't be afraid to seek support from colleagues, a supervisor, or a therapist. Having someone that understands the weight you carry on your shoulders and how you prioritize the students in your life will be able to provide very understanding support. Gifted is always here for you too!

Take Care of Yourself

Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury, it's a necessity. By incorporating these self-care tips into your school counselor routine, you can better support the emotional and mental well-being of your students and yourself.

You can start small, maybe five minutes a day of deep breathing or a weekly call with a colleague. When it comes to your schedule, don’t forget to make time for you.