So like Casey in her latest post, I realized that I did not introduce myself last time. My name is Jillian Wallace and I will be going into my senior year at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio. I play the saxophone and love reading, writing, and listening to music of all genres and decades. This is my fifth time traveling to Germany (depending on how you count being born here). Each time I have been over seas, I have learned several concepts and ideas. Being that this is the first time I am traveling for academics, this is a unique expirence compared to previous travels.
In class this past week, we talked about how a music therapist helps the client. There are many ways that a music therapist helps the client(s). One thing that we covered when talking about this concept was on how the therapist needs to help themselves before being able to help their client(s) (meaning self care). Although this seems like common sense, it is easy to overlook it even when it is right in your face. I always knew that this was a true statement but I did not really think about it until today.
It is a known fact to my friends that I like to be busy and be on the go. It is also a fact that although I enjoy being busy, I also am a person who needs alone time in order to recharge and de-stress. While on this trip, I have (as well as everyone else) been constantly doing something whether it be class, hiking or going on group trips to explore Heidleberg and its' neighboring towns. There has been a lot of opportunities to keep busy but not many for personal time especially when you are sharing an apartment with three to four other individuals. Since arriving to Heidleberg, I had zero alone time minus when I would be in the bathroom. I did not realize how that was effecting me until today. After doing some shopping with friends, we arrived at the apartments. Nearly everyone was planning on going on a hike almost as soon as we arrived at the apartments. Normally I would have wanted to join because I hate missing group outings and also because the scenery is gorgeous here. Surprisingly, I declined; my feet were hurting and I just wanted to sit down for a few minutes. After everyone left, I sat at the table in my room and just went on my iPad and started watching some YouTube videos. I also took time to call my boyfriend who I have not been able to talk to that much since arriving. Before I knew it, it had already been a little over 4 hours before everyone returned form the hike. I noticed that I was mentally in a better place than prior. It was amazing with what just a few hours of solitude could do to my well being.
This can be translated back to music therapy. As mentioned in class, self care is crucial. If you are not in a good place, you can not give your client what they need from you to help them. I am glad I realized this now because life is only going to get busier. I was fortunate to realize this at a time where my main concern is one class for a few weeks in the summer. In the future when I am working, I am going to have several of priorities such as paying bills, buying groceries, being married and having children and the stress and responsibilities that all brings as well as having and working with clients. Self care is going to be extremely important during that time so I and any other music therapist can help clients improve their quality of life which is what we are meant to do.
The big take away from all of this is that although there will be times where you want to go on that group hike or you really want to spend an extra 2 hours studying for a test, you need to give yourself some time for self care whether that's coloring, going on a run, or simply laying down and listening to your favorite song on repeat. You will be so much happier and you will thank yourself later.
No comments:
Post a Comment