I’ve been in business for about 45 years, doing Reiki for almost 30 years and Hypnotherapy for 20, as well as all the other modalities I do. I’ve also raising my own 3 kids as well as a 22 year old grandson and 8 year old granddaughter, and I know how hard it can be to actually squeeze out time for ourselves, without feeling guilty.
As a healer, whether you practice Reiki, hypnotherapy, energy work, or any modality that involves giving your time, energy, and presence, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs before your own. But you cannot pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t indulgent, it’s essential for your effectiveness, your well-being, and your longevity as a healer. I speak from experience. Letting myself run on empty ended up causing me a lot of health challenges and most of you know my history with breast cancer twice and bone cancer too, so I’ve learned my lesson!
Understanding the Healer’s Energy
Healers often absorb the emotions, energies, and traumas of those they work with. This is why we often need to ground, clear and protect and have energetic practices in place if we are to survive long term in this industry. If we do not be mindful of our energy, over time, this can lead to emotional fatigue, physical depletion, or burnout. Energy systems, like the chakras or meridians, may become congested or unbalanced if we do not consciously care for ourselves.
Self-care for healers is about actively maintaining your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. It’s about setting boundaries, creating rituals, and honouring your own energy as much as you honour the energy of those you serve.
Practical Self-Care Strategies
1. Ground, Clear & Protect
Begin and end your day with a grounding practice. Visualise roots extending from your feet into the earth, drawing in stabilising energy. Stand on the earth barefoot whenever possible.
Imagine your aura or energy field being cleansed. Sone use wind, fire, water or earth. Your visualisation works!
Visualise a white bubble or a strong boundary around your aura for psychic protection before you do any healing work.
Use Reiki symbols as you may have been taught to energetically clear you office, home, room or healing space before, during or after a session with a client, or whenever you feel the need.
After each session, cleanse your energy field using Reiki, smudging, salt baths, or visualisations of white light. This helps release any residual energies that aren’t yours.
2. Boundaries and Time Management
Set clear boundaries around your availability and the type of work you take on. Saying “no” is an act of self-care, not selfishness. Think of it as your time and energy budget for the month.
Protect your personal time; schedule breaks, rest, and reflection periods as part of your regular routine.
3. Physical Care
Nourish your body with whole foods, hydration, and gentle movement. Practices like yoga, Qigong, or tai chi help maintain energy flow and flexibility.
Make an appointment for your own massage, Reiki treatment, manicure, facial, sound bath or body care treatment with a peer or a professional. We need to fill up our own cup first, so we gave more to give.
Attend in-person or online Reiki Shares or group gatherings to connect and also receive.
Ensure adequate sleep. Your body restores and integrates energy while you rest, which is crucial for maintaining high vibration and clarity.
4. Emotional and Mental Care
Catch up with friends regularly for a cuppa or a chat. We all need to feel connected and understood by our tribe or circle of friends
Journaling, mindfulness, or talking with a supportive peer or mentor can help process the emotions you encounter in your healing work.
Consider regular energy audits of your feelings and mental state. Ask yourself, “What do I need today to feel balanced and whole?”
5. Spiritual Nourishment
Engage in practices that connect you to your source of inspiration, whether that’s meditation, prayer, ritual, or spending time in nature.
Cultivate gratitude and presence. Small daily rituals, like acknowledging your wins or moments of beauty, replenish your spirit.
6. Professional Support and Supervision
Working with a supervisor, mentor, or peer group can help you navigate challenging cases and maintain objectivity.
Continuing education keeps your skills sharp and helps you feel confident and energised in your practice.
Take a Class or Workshop to continue to challenge and stretch you mentally.
Signs You Need Extra Self-Care
Pay attention to signs that indicate your energy is running low:
Fatigue or feeling drained after sessions
Emotional over-reactivity or irritability • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Physical symptoms like headaches, tension, or digestive issues
Loss of joy in your work or your life
These are signals, not weaknesses. Honour them, and take steps to replenish your energy before you continue giving.
Self-Care is Sacred Work
Remember, self-care is not a luxury, it’s sacred work. By caring for yourself, you maintain your ability to give deeply, heal authentically, and serve sustainably. When you prioritise your well-being, you create a strong, clear, and vibrant container that allows the energy of healing to flow freely- for both you and your clients.
Reach out if you need some help developing better self-care practices.
We are all in this together!
Namasté Carol xo
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