Self-care

Intentional Self-Care To Sustain Excellence

I am serving as a Correctional Officer 1 while pursuing this degree in Forensic Psychology, which demands a well-thought strategy to lead and protect my well-being. Here, I am sharing my strategies applicable to maintaining a healthy level of self-care relating to Forensic Psychology, and which can be integrated in my personal and professional life.

Without self-care, I am likely to succumb to secondary trauma, emotional exhaustion, and chronic stress. Proper self-care protects me against compassion fatigue, burnout, and reduced effectiveness.

A Breakdown of My Self-Care Strategies

My pillars of self-care centers on social, mental, physical, and academic self-care.

Regular Exercise

Work outs and walks helps me alleviate stress, keep high energy levels, and model healthy behaviors. This further improves mental clarity at work.

Nutritional Hygiene

I am trying on embracing nutritious meals and healthy habits, including keeping hydrated and less sugars and caffein that can disrupt the mood and energy.

Adequate Sleep

I have a restful routine, consistent bedtimes and reducing screen time just before bedtime. Quality sleep habits boosts performance and regulates emotions.

Mindfulness

Daily meditation keeps me present and strong enough to contain stress triggers. The 6 minutes of deep breath can reset my emotional condition to endure the daily challenges.

Continuous Learning

I schedule my time carefully after work and school to get minutes to learn new concepts on productivity and mental stimulation. These current concepts boosts my confidence.

Support Networks

I connect with colleagues with more experience in correctional work. They give me peer support with a chance to share strategies, debrief, and strengthen perspective.