Well Gents...we are almost nearing the end of our self-care conversation for the summer. Please check out my buddies below as I am sure that they may have a similar story to yours. From the court room, to college/university campuses, to the hospital...I'm sure one of them if not all of them has some technique(s) that you can incorporate.

Name: Christopher Plummer

What field are you in: Healthcare

How many hours a week do you work: 40

Stress level: 1-10 (10 being the highest) 7

Workload:

The hardest thing is dealing with patients and deescalating their frustrations with the health care system, especially within the Veteran Affairs environment.

How would you define self-care?

Hmmm... Defining self-care to me would be to just take time out from giving of self to and for others and literally do all those things that assist others in being happy, errands, responsibilities, favors, etc., and do it all for yourself. Make sure that you are 100% before you start giving energy (mental & physical) and time to and for someone else; and that is to family and friends.

Outside of your career, are there any other roles that you fulfill?

I am a caregiver for my mother, math and science tutor, and peer mentor.

How do you implement self-care in your life?

I am still learning how to do that as I will give my all to ensure that others are taken care of through tasks asked of me. Friends and family have it figured out that I am the “go to” guy, and I truly have a hard time with saying “NO” or “I am unable to do that.”With my mom going to the hospital with a brain aneurysm (basically for being the same way) really opened my eyes with pushing myself. She really did not have a chance to enjoy herself and enjoy the fruits of her labor for caring for everyone and being the “go to” person. As I am primary care-giver for her I make sure that she enjoys herself as much as she can, to the best of her abilities. We’ve always been close but this has brought us even closer, and with that I am more motivated to pursue my MD, which was in the works prior to her aneurysm. I really had to have a conversation and tell people that I am done sacrificing and it being taken for granted. I have a plan, and I am sticking to it.

How did you know that you needed an outlet?

I recognized that I needed an outlet when I started to not feel like myself, and that is both mentally and physically. I really sort of lost myself and it was just BAD! Literally one weekend I just left. It was then that I began writing in a electronic journal to get things off my chest, and I began to just "Do Me".

Name: Justin

What field are you in? Higher Education Practitioner

How many hours a week do you work? 40 hours

What is the stress level of your career? High Stress lol

Workload:

Managing the institution’s enrollment

Outside of your career, are there any other roles that you fulfill?

Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society Member Golden Key International Honor Society Member National Association for College Admission Counseling Member Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling Member Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Member of Minority Access Member of Amazing Institutional Church

How would you define self-care?

Self- care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.

How do you implement self-care in your life?

Haircut days Spend enough time with your loved ones. Do at least one relaxing activity every day, whether it’s taking a walk or spending 30 minutes unwinding. Do at least one pleasurable activity every day; from going to the mall, to talking on the phone or meeting with friends. Look for opportunities to laugh!

How did you recognize that you needed an outlet?

When I feel overwhelmed.

Name: Henry Green, M.S.

What field are you in? Director of Environmental Services

How many hours a week do you work? 45 to 50

What is the stress level of your career? Moderate to High

What does your workload include?

Being a director, you wear many hats. My main duties include providing managerial leadership, budgeting forecasting, on-boarding and training new hires, processing payroll, and act as an administrative liaison between key client contacts and my department.

Outside of your career, are there any other roles that you fulfill?

Outside of my career, I devote my time and energy into my professional mobile bartending business.

How would you define self-care?

I view self-care as empowering my body, mind, and spirit. I love to workout, cook, and entertain my friends and family.

How do you implement self-care in your life?

I implement self-care by ensuring I keep my health in align. I try to workout at least 4-5 days a week, and eat as health as possible. Also getting an adequate amount of rest is vital to have self-care. Not having enough rest can cause major issues with your energy level, and with my busy lifestyle, my energy levels cannot be compromised.

How did you recognize that you needed an outlet?

I recognized a need for an outlet when I start to feel low about myself. I have a small group of friends that I confide in, and they always cheer me up if I am feeling low. Also, family means the world to me, and I can always count on them for a good laugh. As stated earlier, I love entertaining family and friends. So if I ever feel low, I invite them over and I cook for them and show off my bartending skills.

Name: Antonio Hansberry

What field are you in? Law

How many hours a week do you work? 45-55

What is the stress level of your career? I would say it’s fairly high.

What does your workload include?

Criminal cases.

Outside of your career, are there any other roles that you fulfill?

Father, husband, also involved in church.

How would you define self-care?

I view self care as maintaining your health; mentally, emotionally and physically.

How do you implement self-care in your life?

I work out, work on my four-wheeler, play video games, spend time with my family.

How did you recognize that you needed an outlet?

I realized in law school that your career, occupation or path to get to such, is only what you do and not who you are. In order to maintain sanity you have to do things for yourself. Set aside time for self, whatever it may be.