Whenever I interview a prospective new psychologist or intern for our practice, I always ask some form of the question, “What do you do for self-care?” or “What do you do for fun?” Those who have to struggle to answer the question automatically disqualify themselves from further consideration.
The issue of self-care is particularly important in a profession like psychology, where many of us work long and hard to help others maximize their potential, but it can be true in almost any field that requires commitment.
Neglecting self-care and fun is a costly error. It can lead to physical illness, emotional overload and stress-related disorders, and eventually burnout. One of the most basic of human activities is play. Having fun is learned in infancy, and should remain with us throughout our lives. As time goes on, we are exposed to pressures and influences that can interfere with appropriate self-care and fun. These include the pressure to do well in school and get into the college of our choice, the pressure to earn an adequate living, and the pressure to make certain that the needs of other family members are met. Few schools or businesses build self-care into their set of priorities, although the most enlightened ones do.
Ultimately, the responsibility is on us. Do we set aside time to spend with friends? Do we set aside time for physical play? Do we have a relaxing hobby? Do we remember how to laugh?
If you can’t answer, “Yes”, to those questions, make certain that you don’t apply to work with me. I can’t believe that you can help others when you are so irresponsible to yourself. But I’m happy to congratulate those of you who have answered, “Yes”, and I hope that you are consciously being a role model for others.