Description: 

Picture this: we're approaching finals. My classmates and I are venting about the amount of schoolwork we have in our social work classes. After discussing our questions with the teacher, we began to go our separate ways. Then, we saw a sign in the hallway that read, "Free succulents."

This was a pop-up event for the Reasons for Living series in collaboration with the Psychology Club. They set up a room in the Academic and Administration Building at Salt Lake Community College on the 2nd or 3rd floor. Inside was a room of students painting cute little pots and then filling them with tiny succulents.

Reflection: 

It doesn't have to be finals yet to feel the pressure of finals. Our finals were looming dark clouds in the not-so-far distance. While I don't believe we felt a sense of doom, some of us started feeling overwhelmed. I remember talking to my friend in class about our stress and how hard it was to make time for ourselves around finals. It felt like self-care would rob us of our time, causing our grades to suffer. This self-care event was perfectly timed and placed where we needed it. 

Self-care is vital for all professionals, especially social workers. Many social workers have large caseloads, significant ethical obligations, and little pay. Other social workers may not have large caseloads but still confront their clients' trauma and intense emotions, which may contribute to burnout. Self-care habits allow social workers to process feelings, decompress, and refocus on their values. They can confront difficult issues without losing their passion for work and life. 

During this activity, I took an hour-long break from schoolwork, and I felt refreshed and revitalized. It was as if I placed a magnifying glass on my academic obligations, and this activity helped me remove it. I also left with an important lesson on the importance of self-care. By taking this hour, I lost nothing and gained much. I could do more, and I felt happier to do it. That's what self-care is all about. It allows us to feel human while giving us the means to do what we must. It gave me the energy to pursue my values, especially in times of stress.

I encourage you, whoever may be reading this, to take time for self-care. This is your one chance to live your life, live it well, and live it happily.