Mental health and well-being are important for all individuals to remember. Taking care of yourself is the first step when it comes to taking care of others. You will only get so far in helping others without having the right mindset for yourself.
In the criminal justice field especially, remembering to look after yourself is a top priority so that you are able to help your clients. Being a community corrections officer proves difficult due to the number of caseloads and individuals they are responsible for, as well as the high-pressure workspace they work in. You are responsible for keeping individuals in compliance and the public safe, which can bring about a lot of stress and fatigue. Your well-being can be put on hold while working a difficult job, but it should never be suppressed.
Some recommendations for taking care of yourself are as follows from SAMHSA:
- Be physically active
- Sleep and eat well
- Avoid increasing alcohol and drug use
- Stay in contact with loved ones
- Turn to colleagues for support
- Meditate
- Try breathing exercises
- Seek sources of humor
- Journaling or drawing
- Participate in spiritual practices
There are many more tips that SAMHSA recommends that can be found in the article above.
Work burnout is more prevalent than ever, as technology brings many benefits but also drawbacks as people always have to be available, even at home. Distinction between home and work life balance are becoming blurred, especially during COVID-19. Read more about work burnout and understanding how to balance this issue between work and life. It is important to support and take time for yourself. Well-being of individuals in the criminal justice field is especially key because if they do not take care of themselves, then they cannot take care of and help others.