“Spring is in the air!” This is a phrase or even a cliché that we often hear, especially in the north—but do we really think about what it means and how it is applicable in our lives? Most of us can agree that seasons are a vital transition and a part of our planet’s evolution. But do we realize that seasons can also serve the purpose of human evolution as well, particularly human consciousness?
 

So, for a few minutes, let us delve a little deeper into the meaning of “spring is in the air.” Springtime is a time of extraordinary renewal. We find that the earth is reawakening from her slumber and exploding with new life. The leaves that we saw fall to the ground and the flowers that we witnessed wilting only a few months before are now beginning to bud into lush greenery or shades of beautiful colors. The season of spring is full of transformations!

As we look forward to the many beautiful things of spring, let us also look at our own lives. Spring can be symbolic for starting new projects, setting new goals, and sewing new seeds and ideas into our lives and our work. Have you developed a self-care plan for yourself this year? Do you want to get more organized at work and/or at home? How about that dance, sewing or cooking class that you always wanted to start? Don’t worry if your New Year’s resolutions have fallen by the wayside; it’s spring and we can dust them off and start all over again.

I would like us all to take a few minutes this spring and be reminded of taking care of ourselves and either develop or renew our self-care plan. Social work is a tough job, and oncology social work can be even tougher. In a 1995 study, Davidson sought to determine the level and degree of stress experienced by oncology social workers. He found support for the suggestion that the emotional impact of cancer causes much stress for oncology social workers and that they do not receive attention and support for their work with cancer patients. We know this better than anyone because we live it every day. As we often are confronted with death and bereavement, we do not receive sufficient support to deal with these stresses in our work (Davidson & Foster, 1995).

So as we continue to embark on this spring time, this time for renewal, let’s use it as a time to renew our minds and spirits so we can continue to do the work that we love. I leave you with the ABCs of self-care because, as Ralph Waldo Emerson quoted, “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without first helping himself first.”

A – Awareness. Be aware of when your body is crying for some self-care. What are your triggers? Are you snapping at everyone around you? Do you seem cranky more than usual? If so, you just might need to step back and engage in some self-care.

B – Balance. View yourself as a teeter-totter. You should never be completely on one side or the other. Find something that will move you from being level to the ground to being more leveled out. If you work with a mostly elderly population, go and find some children to hang out with. If you have dealt with four hospice referrals this week, go catch a comedy at the movies. Bring some balance back into your life.

C – Connection. We as human beings need to be connected to others and to things that are important to us. If church/worship is important to you and you haven’t been in a month, you are disconnected. You and your best friend have not gone to lunch in two months, you are disconnected. You have not had a date night with your spouse/partner in six months, you just might be disconnected. Reconnect to the things and people who are important to you. This goes a long way in maintaining self-care.

Let’s take this beautiful spring time and help ourselves write a chapter of new beginnings in creating positive outcomes for our health—so we may continue to be available to our patients as we help them deal with their own health care journey!