Workshop shares self-care advice

By Victor Aldana/reporter

A South Campus counselor hosted a self-care workshop Nov. 21 to help students understand the importance of taking care of themselves before taking care of someone else.

“I am a huge advocate of self-care,” Nicole D’Alesandro said. “Right now is perfect timing during the semester and calendar year to host this workshop.”

The end of the semester is approaching, the holidays are around the corner and everyone copes with stress differently, which is where practicing self-care is very important, she said.

The workshop opened with a funny mice video to demonstrate that humor is free. It’s easy to access and a great way to practice self-care, D’Alesandro said. Laughter also helps with healing.

Practicing self-care is based on three main components which are physical, mental and emotional, and spiritual. Exercising, eating healthier and allowing the body to rest as well as doing a variety of things that make one happy are a few things that can be incorporated daily. Surrounding oneself with positivity and allowing time to exercise the mind and soul using meditation or something that helps relax and distract the mind can also be useful.

“I don’t have time. I’m busy,” is a common excuse students say causing them not to practice self-care, D’Alesandro said. And it is very important to recharge to perform and be better people.

“When self-care becomes a habit or part of our routine, it will be easier to let go,” she said.

Some tips D’Alesandro gave students to practice self-care were to schedule themselves on a daily basis. For example, if working out is scheduled in a planner, it is more likely to be accomplished.

“Sometimes, you just want to be by yourself and have some alone time,” she said, which is OK.

Others want to surround themselves with friends and go out for drinks. Everyone’s self-care is different and matching an individual’s personality makes it successful.

The presentation closed with a quote by Jennifer Louden who said “Self-care is not selfish or self-indulgent. We cannot nurture others from a dry well. We need to take care of our own needs first. Then, we can give from our surplus, our abundance.”

Free counseling is available on all TCC campuses where counselors and advisors are available to help students cope with challenging situations they may be facing.