Adding Yoga and Somatic Movement May Help
If you're feeling burnout or overwhelm from supporting folks with trauma, I've been where you are, feeling the weight and the infinity of our work. I know that the emotional impact can can lead us to question our longevity in this field. What has sustained me through those times when I've questioned my longevity has been my yoga practice.
Yoga has become my sanctuary, a place where
I reconnect with myself and recharge.
It’s the way I learned nothing in the room had to change
in order for me to have the resources to feel better.
Through my yoga practice, I've learned to listen to my body, to breathe through the accumulating tension, and to be okay with where I am, imperfections and all. If you haven't started a practice, I want to encourage you to give yoga a try. Not as another task on your to-do list, but as a gift to yourself. You deserve the same care and compassion you give to your clients every day.
I know it may be a challenge to begin a practice when life can be already filled with work. Yet it's important to remember that while our work is crucial, it should not come at the cost of our own health and happiness. Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation are not merely activities; they are transformative practices that can help us manage the emotional demands of our roles and find renewed joy in our professional paths. Before considering a career change, it may be worthwhile to explore how these practices can reinvigorate your current vocation.
Transformative Insights from Yoga, Ayurveda and Chakras
Yoga is more than just physical postures, and learning about the deeper aspects such as ayurveda (Life Knowledge) and chakras (Nervous System Developmental Centers ®) can be a life changing way to build in more resources for recovery. Our graduates have reported that learning about the holistic aspects through our yoga courses has had a profound impact.
Ashley Wright, LCSW, CYP-500, a CYI graduate and trauma therapist, shared her transformative experience with us: "I have to tell you, I’m doing much more somatic work and yoga with my clients these days as I really move my practice to focus more on somatic healing. People ask me how I learned what I do and I keep telling them that SO much of what I know came from your yoga course".
The Sustaining Power of Yoga for Therapists
These ancient wisdoms offer deep insights into holistic health, aligning physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Understanding the principles of Ayurveda helps practitioners develop personalized wellness routines, while knowledge of chakras provides a framework for assessing and addressing energy imbalances. Here's why it may help you at a personal level:
Enhanced Mindfulness and Presence: Yoga is fundamentally about presence. Each posture and breath is an invitation to the present moment. As therapists, we understand the value of mindfulness for our clients, and it’s equally beneficial for us. Engaging in yoga allows us to cultivate a heightened awareness of our own mental and emotional states, which can translate into more empathetic and focused client interactions.
Release of Physical and Emotional Tensions: The physical manifestations of our day-to-day stresses—be it a stiff neck, a tight back, or a general feeling of fatigue—are signs from our bodies urging us to slow down and release. Yoga provides a structured yet gentle means for this release, which can help alleviate the emotional burden and prevent burnout.
Fostering Resilience Through Self-Compassion: Yoga encourages us to approach our limitations with kindness rather than judgment. This practice of self-compassion on the mat can help us navigate feelings of inadequacy or frustration in our professional lives, enhancing our resilience and overall job satisfaction.
Building Community and Shared Understanding: Participating in yoga classes can connect us with a community that shares a commitment to self-care and wellness. This sense of community is crucial in reminding us that we are not alone in our challenges and can provide a supportive network outside of our professional circles.
Incorporating Mindfulness and Meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are integral parts of yoga that can be practiced both on and off the mat. Here's how you can begin integrating these practices into your daily routine:
Set Aside Dedicated Time: Start with just five minutes each day for meditation, using a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
Use Guided Practices: Many free resources offer guided meditations tailored to various needs—whether it’s for calming anxiety, enhancing focus, or fostering gratitude.
Consistency Over Duration: It’s more beneficial to meditate for a short period regularly than to do longer sessions sporadically.
Mindfulness Throughout the Day: Try to incorporate mindfulness into daily activities, such as mindful eating or mindful walking, where you fully engage with the experience and sensations of the present moment.
Practical Tips to Incorporate Yoga into Your Routine
Start Small: You don’t need an hour-long session to benefit. Even 10 minutes of stretching and focused breathing can make a difference.
Integrate Into Your Day: Consider short yoga breaks between sessions. A few sun salutations or seated postures can refresh your mind and body.
Use Resources: There are countless free resources online. Platforms like YouTube have yoga sessions for all levels and needs. Find a guide whose style resonates with you.
Create a Ritual: Make your yoga practice a non-negotiable part of your routine, just like your morning coffee or nightly skincare.
Inspiring Changes
"You gave so much information I didn’t even know what to do with at the time", Ashley Wright, LCSW, CYP-500. "But now so much of it is integrating more and more. I’ve seen the coolest healing moments with my clients because of it so thank you SO much for providing this course and sharing the wisdom you have. It’s changing the world one person at a time."
Conclusion
Mental health care burnout is increasingly recognized as a national crisis, affecting countless dedicated professionals across the country. The emotional toll of our work, compounded by the high demands and often insufficient resources, can lead to feelings of exhaustion, ineffectiveness, and disillusionment. However, it's crucial to remember that there are tools and practices that can help us navigate these challenges and rediscover the joy and fulfillment in our work.
Integrating yoga, mindfulness, and meditation into our daily routines offers more than just a respite from stress; these practices can fundamentally transform our approach to self-care and patient care. By adopting these techniques, we not only enhance our own well-being but also bring a refreshed perspective and increased empathy to our therapy sessions.
More on Ashley Wright: https://www.bloomtherapyandcounseling.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0X8Em9lwYhEr93MuK-pqPq-HbDjj3UQorybSeXjZUvwKxqp5cSRZxFQXM_aem_hua78Xi8v3TQ4mDVCMYCOw
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