Why did I quit being a therapist?

For example, therapists can get to a stopping point with current tasks and write down a list of the things that need to be taken care of the next morning. If commuting, it might help to identify a boundary like a river or a highway and consider leaving work on the other side once that boundary is crossed.

It is also important to avoid answering emails or looking at messages outside of work hours. This can help you focus on activities and enjoy your time off work. Another great way to leave work at work is to schedule a time to do what you enjoy.

This may include engaging in hobbies like crafting, solving puzzles, or spending time with your family. If you often bring work devices home, consider storing them in a bag or drawer to help you focus on enjoyable activities. This may also help improve your mood, increasing your motivation when it's time to work again.

If you're interested in reducing your stress levels, consider engaging in low-stakes hobbies to help you return to work feeling relaxed. Yoga and meditation are great hobbies that can leave you feeling calmer and more focused.

In addition to finding ways to leave work at work, keeping an open dialogue with your boss, coworkers, and loved ones is important. Employers frequently will say that they are blindsided when they find out an employee is struggling with burnout, and they have no idea.

It is a good idea for therapists to talk to their employers about their concerns before burnout becomes more serious. Like everyone else, therapists need support from people who care about them. Since they are often the ones helping, it can be a struggle to ask for support.

Try scheduling a regular date with a friend or family member to help you stay connected. Find ways to laugh, be silly, and have fun, but also make time to vent when you need to. It is important to have support and the freedom to express frustrations or other emotions you have been holding back.

Keeping an open dialogue can help you unburden yourself and free your mind from the isolation and struggles you may feel. Peer consultation groups can also be a great way to process work stress with others who understand what you are going through while still protecting confidentiality.

Lastly, you need to practice self-care both physically and emotionally. Therapists must be able to recharge their batteries. After all, "you can't pour from an empty cup." Physical and mental health are directly related, so you must take care of both.

Eating healthy foods will help give you more energy to get through your day. You should also keep a full water bottle handy daily to stay hydrated. Try to stand up and stretch between clients or go for a short walk and get some fresh air. This can help you reset.

Whenever possible, remember to take time off. A vacation is the best way to get away, unplug, and leave the stress behind.