Advocate Self-Care Series, Part 1: Beyond Bubble Baths
Redefining Self-Care for Advocates
By Dr. Kate Watson
As advocates, we've all heard it before: "Don't forget self-care!" Usually followed by suggestions of bubble baths, scented candles, and meditation apps. While these practices have their place, the reality of advocate self-care runs much deeper. Let's explore what real, sustainable self-care looks like in the trenches of advocacy work.
The Reality Check
Self-care isn't just about pampering – it's about survival and sustainability in a field where secondary trauma is as common as coffee breaks. As one participant in The Embodied Advocate program noted, "Self-care isn't selfish; it's the foundation that allows us to keep showing up for others."
Debunking Self-Care Myths
Myth #1: Self-care is time-consuming Reality: Effective self-care can be integrated into your daily routine in small, meaningful ways.
Myth #2: Self-care is expensive Reality: Some of the most impactful self-care practices are free – like setting boundaries or taking mindful breaths between client meetings.
Myth #3: Self-care is self-indulgent Reality: Self-care is professional responsibility. Just as airlines instruct us to put on our own oxygen masks first, we must maintain our well-being to effectively serve others.
Practical Self-Care During Client Work
The Power of Micro-Breaks
Take 30-second breaths between clients
Stand up and stretch during phone calls
Keep a water bottle nearby as a reminder to stay hydrated
Emotional Boundaries
Use physical objects as transition markers (like closing a notebook)
Practice grounding techniques between sessions
Maintain a "closure ritual" at day's end
Body Awareness
Notice tension in your shoulders or jaw
Regular posture checks
Simple desk stretches
The Connection: Personal Peace and Effective Advocacy
When we're depleted, our ability to serve others diminishes. Signs that your self-care needs attention:
Difficulty concentrating
Increased irritability
Physical tension
Compassion fatigue
Dreading client interactions
Action Steps for Today
Identify your personal signs of depletion
Create a list of 5-minute self-care activities
Set up physical reminders in your workspace
Schedule non-negotiable breaks
Connect with peer support
Conclusion
True self-care for advocates isn't about escaping our work – it's about sustaining our capacity to serve effectively. By redefining self-care as essential rather than optional, we build a foundation for lasting impact in our field.