Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called “sons of God”. Matthew 5:9
Helping others is draining, at times exhausting yet fulfilling all at the same time. As people sit down in our office, feeling on edge or out of control emotionally, God enables us to help them find peace. What an opportunity we have as counselors to watch God do His work in people.
Feeling fulfilled as God’s workman is a marvelous thing. Yet the emotional and mental energy required to help others interrupts our normal body rhythm. Sleep can be interrupted or become excessive. Our appetite may increase due to stress or decrease due to being over focused on work. Normal workout routines may be inconsistent and relaxing weekends turn into working weekends.
Sound familiar? Dr Michael Lyles, a Christian psychiatrist recommends several strategies for maintain your health as a counselor.
1. Be aware of your illnesses and patterns of interruption.
2. Maintain sleep hygiene, following your body sleep rhythms. Go to: sleepfoundation.org.
3. Use relaxing, fun and energizing activities.
4. Develop balance relationships, both giving and receiving from friendships.
Are there any strategies you want to use this week to maintain your balance and rhythms while helping people?
Filed under: SCCT Network, Therapy
