As we enter Fall, it is a time where we slow down from the craziness of summer and jump into the craziness of fall. With sports, school, appointments, and the holidays approaching it’s important for all of us to remember to slow down, check in with ourselves, and practice some self-care.  

Self-care is important when you are in the profession of caring for others. Caring for others who have been through trauma is very rewarding and can be taxing. As a result, foster parents must be sure to take care of themselves as well as their kids in care.  

You don’t have to take the entire day to yourself, but even an hour or two in the morning or after the kids go to bed is beneficial. The simple act of slowing down in your week makes you more productive by being able to refocus and slow down. Additionally, self-care will help boost your immune system and your self-compassion. Lastly, by the end of the week, you will have more to give to others, not less. 

There are several types of self-care, not all are necessary to complete every time, but if you focus on a form of self-care once a week it will decrease the potential of burnout, depression, and anxiety throughout the week. Here are some options for you as you think about what sabbath looks like for you: 

• Physical self-care: 

• Eating healthy  
• Exercising 
• Taking a bath 

• Psychological self-care: 

• Reflection 
• Creation (Drawing, gardening, journaling, etc.) 

• Emotional self-care: 

• Hanging out with friends
  Making time for hobbies 

• Spiritual self-care: 

• Prayer 
• Quiet Time 
• Meditation  

• Workplace self-care: 

• Taking breaks throughout the day 
• Leaving work at work 

• Relationship self-care:  

• Date nights
  Spending intentional time with your significant other.  

Some methods of self- care that City Ministries provides are Respite and Support Groups.