You spend most of your days inside and alone. From the moment you wake up in the morning, your commute into work, sitting at your desk in your office, and back to your home each night (if you even go to an office away from your home!). Isolation is setting in.
Sure, you see neighbors and people driving on your commute to and from work each day or when you go out to run errands, and you’re always interacting with clients. But your role as a therapist is to be there, fully present, and engaged for them.
Who’s there for you when you feel lonely?
You’ve helped clients cope with their feelings of loneliness. Why is it so much harder to listen to your own advice?
Here’s how you can overcome feelings of isolation as a therapist.
Take Care of Your Basic Needs
Your entire career path is dedicated to your clients. When’s the last time you took some time to focus on yourself and your needs?
If you paused and still can’t think of the last time you did a little self-care, it’s way overdue.
With loneliness, your mental health and physical health may be impacted. Both are equally important for your overall health and wellness.
Make sure you’re fueling your body properly. Don’t skip meals. Drink enough water. Aim to eat a well-balanced diet filled with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. In addition to fueling it properly, make sure you’re also taking time to get outside every now and then. Get that body moving. Go for a walk, attend a workout class with friends, or lift some weights. Find what works best for you, your interests, and your daily schedule.
Get Enough Sleep
Another important way to take care of yourself is by focusing on your sleep.
Sleep is very important in order for you to get the proper rest and recovery so your body and brain are able to function properly each day. A lack of sleep can cause some serious health concerns to your body and mind.
If you notice yourself having a difficult time falling asleep at night, try to make your room as comfortable as possible. Turn the temperature down. Limit devices at least one hour before bed each night. And set up a sleep schedule so your body can recognize your routine as winding down before bed.
Self-Care is Necessary, Too
You can’t expect to fill your clients’ cups if yours is completely empty. Plus, how can you preach to your clients about the importance of taking care of themselves when you’re not doing the same?
Taking care of yourself beyond your basic human needs isn’t selfish. If you need to rest more, do it. Maybe you need a social media or news detox after catching yourself spiraling down the rabbit hole a few too many times.
You listen to your clients’ needs every single day. It’s time you start listening to the voice inside of your head and making sure all of your wants, needs, and desires are being met.
Make an Effort to Be More Social
If you’re feeling lonely, reach out to friends, family, or coworkers. Connection is a basic human function. Your support system wants what’s best for you, just like you want what’s best for them and your clients. Let them help you.
Call a close friend and tell them how you feel. They may be able to provide their own feelings on the matter, which will help you to realize you’re not alone at all.
Ask for Help
If you don’t feel comfortable reaching out to a friend or family member about this topic, ask for help from an unbiased third party.
Therapists need therapists too.
Just like you remind your clients day in and day out, you aren’t alone and help is available for you. Get started by reaching out to us today for a consultation. You can learn more about participating in therapy as a therapist here.
