5 self-care tips for health practitioners
As health practitioners, we're great at giving helpful advice to support the health and wellbeing of our clients. But we can also be our worst enemy, stretching ourselves thin and forgetting to take our own advice.
How many times have you sat in a consult and taken a mental note to incorporate that stress-busting strategy into your lifestyle? Or used the saying "you can't pour from an empty cup" while feeling depleted during another emotionally taxing consult?
Burnout is a common problem amongst health practitioners, especially those starting out in the industry or the entrepreneurs amongst us who are continually evolving our businesses.
Self-care is something we often talk about with our clients and share across social media. But what does self-care for business owners and health practitioners look like? It may not look the same as the advice you give your clients.
Self-care tips for business owners and practitioners
Self-care for business owners and natural health practitioners means connecting with your values and staying aligned with your ideal lifestyle/business direction while not compromising yourself.
It's about building foundations that are sustainable for you, while still enabling you to optimally support your clients. We want you to kick the imposter syndrome to the curb and build your business with confidence and intention.
So how can you do that and prevent fatigue and overwhelm? Here are our top self-care tips for health practitioners looking to build a flourishing career.
1. Prioritise you
As health practitioners, you need to put yourself first ahead of your clients. It might sound selfish, but it will help you avoid burning out and resenting your practice.
Naturally, we're the giving, people-pleasing type. It's what makes you a great practitioner, but it also opens us up to being overworked and emotionally depleted.
Prioritising your health and wellbeing first may be a hard adjustment to make but it will be necessary long-term.
2. Shift your mindset
Mindset is a powerful thing. Too often our mindset is what holds us back whether that's in growing as a practitioner or staying true to our business intentions.
We want to foster a mindset of abundance, self-awareness and growth. If you're struggling to do this, a coach or mentor could be a beneficial tool.
3. Establish boundaries
Saying 'no' and being available to clients outside of consultations is a common issue for health practitioners. If you have just begun consulting, you may find you have the space and time to respond to emails your client sends you at all hours with their "just a quick question". By doing this, you've set the tone.
Establish boundaries as if you are a busy, thriving clinic. Have those uncomfortable conversations to inform clients of your boundaries. Set boundaries with yourself such as:
When you can check and respond to client emails
When you are active on social media
When you switch off "work mode" to be present at home
4. Nourish yourself
If you're running your own clinic, no doubt you are spending days with clients, researching, creating treatment plans, managing accounts and contacting clients. At nights or weekends, you might find yourself ticking off those to-do list items such as writing blogs, scheduling social posts, updating your website, creating courses...Gosh, I'm getting tired even thinking about it!
While you're in the thick of growing a business, you must remind yourself that you need to nourish your mind and body. You know the drill:
Get plenty of quality sleep
Fuel yourself with nourishing whole foods
Move regularly
Make time for friendships and family
Schedule time off
Practice gratitude
Step into nature
Book a special once a month treatment like a massage, reiki or acupuncture.
5. Find your tribe
Natural health practitioners often work alone, renting a treatment room or running an entirely online practice. It can be incredibly isolating, especially if you have just left the social uni life or a job with colleagues.
It's vital for your self-care and the success of your business you find your tribe. This could be a practitioner-only Facebook support group or a regular catch up with like-minded practitioners. You may engage the help of a business mentor or a life coach or join a local business networking group.
Whatever your jam, find your tribe that can provide support and encouragement for you to grow into a confident practitioner with a thriving natural health business.
