Taking care of yourself while taking care of others is a balancing act for anyone but particularly for the physical/occupational therapist whose healing touch and energy is transmitted to patients on a daily basis. Replenishing your body, mind, and soul is a constant need even as you replenish others with your skill and expertise. As a therapy professional, you are virtually ‘hands on’ constantly as positive energy is transmitted to others so that they feel and move better.
Because you transmit the healing power of touch and energy, your energy is often and usually depleted by the end of the day. Affirmations are a key tool for replenishing your batteries in all aspects of your life: body, mind, and soul.
An AFFIRMATION is a positive statement about yourself, written and said in the PRESENT TENSE. For example, “I believe in the healing power of touch.” is an affirmation. “I will go to the gym tomorrow.” is NOT AN AFFIRMATION because it describes something that might happen in the future.
So how do I personally use affirmations in my life and work? Not only do I write and say my affirmations, I also place them on a business size card. I keep this card in my wallet at all times so I can refer to it whenever I need a lift. My affirmations are:
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I am important.
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I am not alone.
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I am a good person.
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I am in control.
- I take care of myself.
The last affirmation on the list is in that position for a reason. If we consistently think about and act on the other four, we are taking care of ourselves.
My affirmations change regularly as my needs and personal situation changes. Often my affirmations rotate on and off the list as I keep one or two but then add new ones. I encourage you to create your own affirmations and tailor them on an ongoing basis to changing needs. I do want to emphasize that the MOST USEFUL part of the process is have the VISUAL CARD tucked in my wallet, ready to remind me of its value, providing me solace and comfort.
I invite you to use mine as you begin, but I also hope you move toward your very own affirmations. The steps I take are:
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Define the affirmations. Remember it’s important to state them as if the action is happening NOW, NOT IN THE FUTURE.
- Place your affirmations on some type of visual. My choice is a business size card or piece of paper. (It doesn’t have to be pretty because you will change your affirmations as you go along.)
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Find a quiet spot at least once a day to review the affirmations. This quiet spot may be between appointments to provide energy and focus for the next patient or it might be when you arrive home in the evening.
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Say the affirmations aloud slowly and breathe deeply after each one.
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Repeat them to create a chanting effect.
One experiment would be to use these steps both at home and at work to determine if one is better than the other. Try using your affirmations twice a day to determine if that practice is even more helpful. When you are feeling comfortable with the process, be sure to share your experience with others.
Creating new affirmations also gives me even more energy; it’s much like getting a new battery. New affirmations liven up the process and help you tailor affirmations to current challenges. For the physical and occupational therapist, a profession all about the skill and energy for healing, I hope affirmations become a new and powerful tool in your repertoire.
Margery Pabst is a nationally acclaimed author, speaker, and facilitator. Her fourth book, “Enrich Your Caregiving Journey”, won the “2010 Caregiver Friendly Award” given by Today’s Caregiver Magazine. The book is a series of caregiver stories offering tips and tools for successful caregiving. Find out more about Margery and her book at www.pivotalcrossings.com.