Enhancing Daily Wellbeing for Professionals

A Workshop Recap with Mental Health Lou

by: Amanda Villaveces MS., LMFT & Shelly Sowell MEd., LPCC

This post is inspired by a recent presentation we gave at the 2024 Kentucky Affordable Housing Conference, where we shared some practical strategies for incorporating somatic care into your daily routine. These are strategies that not only support your wellbeing but also help you show up as your best self for the people you’re helping.

Have you ever found yourself feeling drained after a long day of helping others, wondering how you can sustain your own wellbeing while continuing to support those around you? It’s a common experience for many in support roles, where the demands of the job can easily take a toll on your physical and emotional health.

By integrating somatic care into your daily routine, you can find tools to help improve your overall wellbeing, including improving mental clarity and decreasing physical tension. But before we dig in, let’s cover the basics — starting with somatic care.

What is Somatic Care?

Somatic care is all about tuning into your body’s internal signals — think of it as a way of becoming more aware of how you’re feeling physically and emotionally, and then using that awareness to take care of yourself. In support roles, where stress and emotional demands are part of the job, somatic care can be a lifeline. It’s not just about relaxation — it’s about learning to listen to your body and responding in ways that help you stay balanced and resilient.

We can think of somatic care from two fields — physical health (eg. massage, acupuncture, yoga etc.) and also mental health. In this context we are talking about the mental health aspects of somatic care.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

Introducing Somatic OARS

We introduced a concept at the conference called Somatic OARS — a simple framework you can use to guide your daily self-care. Here’s how it works:

• Open: Think about how you start your day. What small, intentional practices could help you begin with a sense of openness? Maybe it’s a moment of quiet reflection before diving into your tasks or setting a positive intention for the day ahead.
• Align: Throughout your day, take moments to check in with yourself. Are your actions and emotions aligned with your needs? If you’re feeling off-balance, what can you do to realign? Even a quick stretch or a deep breath can make a difference.
• Release: As your day winds down, what helps you let go of the day’s stress? This could be as simple as journaling, a calming herbal tea, or listening to your favorite music. The goal is to find what helps you release tension and transition into rest.
• Sleep: We all know how important sleep is, but it’s often the first thing we sacrifice when we’re busy. Make sure you’re giving yourself the gift of restful sleep — it’s the foundation of everything else.

Balancing the Basics

Now, let’s talk about balance. In roles that are as demanding as housing support, it’s crucial to keep the basics in check. Here’s a quick guide:

• Nutrients: How’s your diet? Are you fueling your body with what it needs to keep going strong?
• Inner-life: What are you doing to nurture your inner self? Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes to breathe, these practices are essential.
• Sleep: Are you prioritizing sleep? It’s not just about quantity but quality. Are you waking up refreshed?
• Good Connection: Who are you connecting with? Meaningful relationships and social connections are key to your emotional wellbeing.
• Movement: How are you moving your body? Even small amounts of physical activity can make a big difference.

Planning for a Healthy Routine

Imagine your life with a consistent and healthy routine of care — what would that look like for you? Here are a few prompts to get you started:

• Openness: How can you start your day with more intention? What small change could help you greet each morning with a positive outlook?
• Alignment: What’s one way you can check in with yourself during the day? How might you adjust if you’re feeling off-track?
• Release: What’s your current evening routine? How could you tweak it to better prepare yourself for restful sleep?

Stay Connected

We’d love to continue this conversation with you. If you’re interested in learning more or are in need of mental health professionals for your organization, don’t hesitate to reach out:

• Amanda Villaveces, LMFT
  Email: Amanda@mentalhealthlou.com
  Website: Mentalhealthlou.com
  Instagram: @MENTALHEALTHLOU
• Shelly Sowell, LPCC
  Email: shelly@shellysowell.com
  Website: www.shellysowell.com
  Instagram: @buildamindfullife

By incorporating these somatic strategies into your daily life, you can foster sustainable wellbeing and thrive in your support role. Real transformation doesn’t happen overnight — it’s about the small, everyday choices that add up over time.

So, what do you think? Are there practices here that you’re already doing? Or perhaps some that you’d like to try? We’d love to hear what resonates with you and how you plan to incorporate these ideas into your routine. Share your thoughts with us in the comments!