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A Busy Week

 Hello and welcome back to The Therapist Diaries, 

Has anyone else had an incredibly busy start to 2026... or is it just me? 

This year came in fast. One minute it was January 1st, and the next I was rushing from one commitment to the next, living on half-finished to-do lists and Starbucks runs. The peace and harmony I felt at Christmas quickly vanished. This week especially, I’ve felt completely rushed off my feet, mentally, emotionally, and logistically.

And yet… it was all worth it.

Because in the middle of the chaos, I passed my LCSW exam.

To those who don't know the therapy abbreviations for everything (believe me, there's a lot,) becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker opposed to a Licensed Master of Social Work, means I’ve met advanced clinical training and supervision requirements and can now practice independently. It deepens the work I do, expands how I can support clients, and reflects years of learning, growth, mistakes, resilience, and showing up even when things felt hard. It’s a milestone I’m incredibly proud of and one I didn’t reach without support. 

For those who know me, of course this isn't the end of my educational journey... however for now at least, we're taking a breather and as my supervisor said, "slowing down to embrace the hard work", that I've put in over the years. 

Although it doesn't feel like it at the time, good things can still come to those with stress. Big transitions, packed weeks, and meaningful goals often arrive alongside exhaustion. When life is moving too fast and the calendar feels unforgiving, self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate or Instagram-worthy. Sometimes it needs to be practical and gentle.

So, here are a few tried and tested ways to care for yourself when the week is flying by and no matter how many things get checked off the to-do list, it still seems to be growing by the hour.

Shrink the moment. You don’t have to manage the whole week... just the next 10 minutes. Ask: What’s the one small thing I can do right now? Achieving small goals provides the brain with encouragement and motivation to achieve other things. Take a quick look at your to-do list, is there anything you can break down into smaller tasks. 5 small wins might give the same result as 1 big one but you'll be surprised which method feels better!

Build in pauses, not escapes. A few deep breaths between meetings, stretching your shoulders, or stepping outside for two minutes counts. I like to get myself a fresh cold drink of water after completing a big task, the cold-water acts like a refreshing wave and washes away the tension that the last task created in my body. This is very similar imagery to what I use in my Accelerated Resolution Therapy Sessions with clients who are struggling to move negative or problematic sensations. 

Lower the bar on purpose. Some weeks are about survival, not optimization. Done is better than perfect.

Name what’s going well. Even on the busiest days, grounding yourself in one meaningful win (big or small) can shift your nervous system. The kids I work with know that at least once per session, I'm going to tell them a positive affirmation that I identify in them... and my goal by the end of our time together that day, is for them to say another about themselves. No matter what's going on in your life, you are doing something well, make sure you take the time to praise yourself for that, no matter how big or small it seems. 

Rest without earning it. You don’t need to finish everything to deserve rest. It's okay to take an early lunch just because, or to scroll on TikTok for a few moments while your brain adjusts to a different task. Rest doesn't have to be earned. Identify appropriate spots in your day and let your body relax. 

If your 2026 has started at full speed, you’re not alone. Busy seasons don’t mean you’re failing or running behind. To be honest, often, it means you’re growing. And growth, while meaningful and at time necessary, can still be tiring.

Be gentle with yourself this week. I’m trying to do the same.

Until next time- be kind to your mind.

—The Therapist Diaries (LCSW 🎓)

 

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