By Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM
It’s October. The air is crisp, the pumpkins are glowing, and the candy aisles are calling. Somewhere between care coordination, charting, and chasing deadlines, I found myself unwrapping a Snickers candy bar for “energy.” And then I had another one. And then another one just for the road!
If you’ve ever hidden a fun-sized Snickers in your desk drawer, you’re not alone. Case managers are masters of multitasking, but we’re also human. We plan, advocate, educate, and coordinate care for others with precision and compassion but when it comes to our own self-care, we sometimes run on caffeine and convenience. This month, as ghosts and goblins make their rounds, let’s take a moment to shine a light on one of our most familiar disguises: the candy sneak.
Candy can be more than sugar. When stress peaks, our brains crave comfort and quick energy. It’s not weakness; it’s physiology. A little chocolate can activate dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter, providing a temporary sense of calm or pleasure amid the chaos of complex care plans and patient crises. But the real treat lies not in the candy itself, but in what it represents: the small, sweet moments we allow ourselves to pause, breathe, and replenish.
So how do we transform a “sneaky” habit into a healthy reminder? By treating ourselves with the same empathy we extend to our patients. Case managers often remind clients to eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and manage stress. Yet many of us are guilty of skipping lunch, answering emails at midnight, or pushing through exhaustion.
Consider making your “treat” intentional. Instead of mindlessly grabbing candy between calls, it creates a mindful moment. Step away from your desk. Enjoy that piece of chocolate slowly, without guilt or multitasking. Pair it with a quick walk, a stretch, or a chat with a colleague. The goal isn’t to eliminate indulgence. It’s to make it restorative.
October isn’t just about costumes, candy, and my birthday. It’s also about awareness. National Case Management Week reminds us that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. Burnout can sneak up like a ghost, draining your energy and empathy before you realize it’s there. Signs include irritability, fatigue, loss of focus, and the sense that no amount of “treats” will fix what’s missing. Self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate. Sometimes, it’s as simple as saying yes to a quiet morning coffee or taking time to reconnect with the CMSA community.
As case managers, we teach patients to balance progress and patience, discipline, and grace. We can apply those same lessons to ourselves. A piece of candy will not solve the systemic pressures of healthcare, but it can remind us to slow down, savor a small joy, and acknowledge our humanity.
So, this Halloween season, if you find yourself sneaking a mini–Milky Way, Almond Joy, or Kit Kat between case reviews, smile and remember self-care isn’t selfish. It’s sustainable. The real trick is learning to treat yourself not just with candy, but with kindness.
Sweet Self-Care for Case Managers
1. Take a mindful minute.
Before unwrapping that candy, take a deep breath. Savor the moment—not just the chocolate. Notice the taste, the texture, and the tiny pause you have gifted yourself.
2. Hydrate before you caffeinate.
It’s easy to reach for coffee or cola in the afternoon slump, but water helps more than you think. Reach for water first! Staying hydrated supports focus, mood, and sustained energy throughout the day.
3. Swap guilt for gratitude.
Instead of saying “I shouldn’t,” try “I deserve this small break.” You give your best every day. Recognizing that effort is part of self-care.
4. Move your body.
Even five minutes counts. Walk around your unit or office, stretch, or take the long route to refill your water bottle. Physical movement is a simple antidote to stress. Small moves, big difference!
5. Connect and celebrate.
Share a treat or a laugh (and maybe a piece of candy) with a colleague. Connection is one of the sweetest forms of self-care.
LAST CALL: Your Chance to Lead the Future of Case Management!
The 2026 CMSA National Call for Board Candidates is closing soon. This is your final opportunity to elevate your career, gain invaluable leadership experience, and directly shape the future of our profession as a member of the Board of Directors.
The deadline to apply is October 31.
Learn more: https://cmsa.org/board-of-directors-nominations/
Bio: Janet Coulter, MSN, MS, RN, CCM, FCM is President of CMSA. She is a transplant case manager with a wide variety of experiences including educator, administrator, team leader, and Director of Case Management. Janet holds a Master of Science in Nursing from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Adult Education from Marshall University. She has published many articles in CMSA Today and the Professional Case Management Journal and served as a reviewer for the Core Curriculum for Case Management Third Edition. She has served as President-Elect of CMSA, Chair of the CMSA Today Editorial Board, Chair of the Nominations Committee, and Vice-President of the CMSA Foundation board. Janet was the recipient of the CMSA National Award of Service Excellence and Southern Ohio Valley CMSA Case Management Leadership award and was recently inducted as a Case Management Fellow from CMSA.