Sustainable Self-Care for Social Workers

While most social workers are well aware of the importance of self-care, this knowledge doesn’t necessarily translate into robust self-care practices. Today’s social workers are more in need than ever of accessible methods for contending with the threats posed by burnout. This class draws on a variety of Ayurvedic practices that social workers can incorporate into a sustainable and effective self-care plan. It will start with an overview of Ayurveda, a holistic medical system premised on balancing our nervous systems, minds, bodies, and spirits via simple, daily lifestyle habits. This workshop provides an overview of some of Ayurveda’s core daily habits and how they can help social workers manage burnout symptoms. Practiced regularly, these habits balance our circadian rhythms, lead to deeper states of restoration and rest, and achieve a shift from feeling overwhelmed toward ease in mind and body. Ayurvedic tools like rhythmic eating practices for healthy digestion, self-massage for grounding the nervous system, and meditation for mental and emotional stability are central to this workshop. We will also discuss methods for effectively integrating new self-care habits. The importance of workplace culture, leadership buy-in and modeling of self-care, and collective self-care will also be discussed. The workshop will conclude with a solution-focused group exercise for creating a simple self-care action plan.

Two continuing education hours will be offered upon completion of the course.