Self Care

As we are getting ready for the fall semester to begin, one of the administrators in our department asked the returning grad students for "wisdom" to pass on to the new students. My advice was this:

"Real" life doesn't stop because you're in grad school. Travel to somewhere new... climb a mountain... cultivate relationships outside of school... learn how to brew beer... have a baby... whatever it is that makes you happy. These are the things that will keep you going when grad school starts to drive you crazy and will make you a better psychologist in the long run.

Fortunately, our department encourages us to practice self-care on a regular basis, which has given me "permission" to take a break from work every now-and-then and enjoy the beautiful Colorado scenery. I recently hiked Quandary Peak, elevation 14,265 feet (see the photo taken at the summit), my third "14er." Very few experiences take me away from school, both physically and mentally, like standing on top of the world!