By Gary Wolfe, RN, CCM, FCM, Editor-in-Chief, CareManagement
Do you have a self-care plan? We are used to making case management plants for our patients but what about ourselves? Case management is a demanding, stressful job. In addition to working, we also have a life. Life might involve children, spouse, and all the things we do outside of work. How do we take care for ourselves in an intentional way? I recognize self-care can be intimidating. I take care of patients everyday but if you don’t take care of yourself, you aren’t going to be able to take care of your patients and have an enjoyable life. We need a self-care plan for sure!
What is self-care? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), self-care is being able to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider. Health is defined in the broad sense: physical, mental, spiritual, social, and emotional. A truly holistic approach. The WHO describes self-care in a broad sense with many facets of our life.
Before we get into a self-care plan, why is self-care important. Self-care is important because it helps re-establish balance and avoid burnout. Self-care often is the mechanism of recalibrating and getting in touch with our ability to work, play, have fun, relax, and connect.
With a self-care plan in use, you will see short and long-term benefits. Some of the short-term benefits include: reduced stress, increasing self-worth, and feelings of belonging. Long-term benefits include: managing chronic disease, disease prevention, stress reduction, healthier relationships, improved job performance, and reduced burnout.
Use the same steps you use in developing the case management plan: assessment including data collection, planning, implementing, evaluating. The S-M-A-R-T concept is an easy way to make sure you have clear goals:
- Specific: Identify the details of your goals
- Measurable: This will help you measure progress.
- Achievable: Set realistic goals.
- Relevant: Will this change make a difference?
- Time-bound: Set a realistic timeframe to accomplish the goal.
Here are some suggestions for your self-care plan.
- Getting some exercise preferably 4-5 times a week.
- Eating regular, well-balanced meals.
- Getting enough sleep, getting regular medical and dental care
- Regularly scheduling time with friends for a coffee, a walk, a meal, going to the movies – you get the idea.
- Volunteering for a local organization.
- Joining a local group like a hiking club, knitting group or other interest group.
- Try a new hobby
- Participate in creative activities you enjoy.
- Practice gratitude by reminding yourself daily of things you are thankful for.
- Random acts of kindness.
- Read a book or magazine for enjoyment.
- Spending time in nature.
- Listening to music
- Praying
- Going to church
The list can go on and on. The essence of self-care is focusing on yourself. The demand of your daily life will dictate the extent of your self-care plan. Do something that makes you happy and relaxed. It can be a few minutes every day or sometimes longer like a day or weekend with friends. Everyone is different and that is reflected in your self-care plan. Your self-care plan should be consistent but don’t worry about the lapses because they will happen. Tomorrow is another day, so start again with your plan. Give yourself permission to say that is OK!
You need a self-care plan that is deliberate so you can provide a refreshed sense of self. You know yourself! Plan for your self-care! High levels of your self-awareness and flexibility will really improve the understanding of what is meaningful and important to you.
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Bio: Gary Wolfe, RN, CCM is the Editor-in-Chief of CareManagement. A past president of CMSA as well as a CMSA Chapter leader, Gary has significant leadership experience in managed care organizations. Currently, Gary's focus is on improving professional case management practice through education.