Self-care is important for everybody. It keeps us mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy, ensuring that we can live well. Once you become a Community Support Worker, you may need to do more self-care than most due to the emotional and mental demands of your role. You should develop a good self-care routine to protect your well-being and prevent burnout. 

During your Community Support Worker training and practicum, you can use some of the techniques highlighted below to see what works for you. Everyone has different self-care techniques that they use and find effective. Read on for five great self-care tips to remember.

1. Don’t let Yourself Become Overburdened

As a Community Support Worker in training, you are an individual who thrives on helping people. So, you choose to help them as much as possible, even if that means saying “yes” to tasks or activities you know may overburden you. The key is to learn that it is okay sometimes to say “no.” You need to look after your own health first and foremost, and if that means not taking on an additional task because you are already at your maximum capabilities, that is okay. You need time to nourish yourself and ensure you can perform your role to the best of your abilities.

2. Make the Most of Your Holidays and Breaks

During your Community Support Worker career, you will accumulate personal days and holidays. Take these and make the most of them whenever possible. The key is to use them as time away from work because this lets you recharge and come back revitalized. During your practicum, you will have opportunities to implement this self-care technique. Try to utilize these holidays and breaks as time for vacations or a change of scenery whenever possible, even if you stay home for your holidays, take your mind away from work. Try to develop a new skill or do something you enjoy doing. This could be anything, but some great starting points would be to read a book, create art, or listen to music and relax.

3. Have a Support System During Your Community Support Worker Career

While you may focus on helping others, sometimes it is you who needs the help, and that is okay. One of the fundamental pieces of self-care as a Community Support Worker is to create a support system. During Community Support Worker training, you will learn about the value of having a great support system. However, putting this into practice can be challenging, and you may need to ask those around you for help. This could be coworkers, supervisors, an external therapist, or a combination of all three.

4. Practice Mindfulness and Ways to Centre Yourself

Being mindful allows you to reduce anxiety. There is no set method to do this; however, common methods include practicing yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises. Try to utilize these methods often, not solely when you are anxious. This will help keep you in a better mental space if something negative does occur. It is important to do what works for you because not everyone uses the same coping mechanisms, and perhaps doing several of these exercises may prove to be more effective for you. Start experimenting and implementing mindfulness and centring methods during your training and practicum. This will help ensure that once you begin working as a Community Support Worker, you are well-equipped for self-care.

5.  Maintain A Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more than just exercising. It also means eating well, getting enough rest, and doing things you enjoy. Your training, practicum, and future job as a Community Support Worker are important; however, it should not be everything that you do and think about. Make time in your day to exercise or be outdoors. Make healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals, even if they are simple. Focus on getting as much sleep as you need. Lastly, maintain social connections, this ties back into your support network. Make plans with friends and family, continue enjoying life and don’t let your training and job take over. Start implementing these practices early in your training and practicum, and let them carry over to when you begin work.

Are you ready to become a Community Support Worker? 

Contact Discovery Community College to learn how you can get started.