***Post written by Annastashia Teepe, Southeast Representative for WSPA*** As we slowly transition away from School Psychology Awareness Week and make the push toward winter break, I thought it time to consider the practice of self-care and the ethical implications of burnout. According to an issue of the Communiqué, self-care can be considered an ethical requirement for school psychologist (Lopez, 2017).  The NASP professional ethics guidelines indicate that school psychologists are to refrain from activities that result in personal problems interfering with professional effectiveness and we are ethically mandated to seek assistance when such activities arise (Lopez, 2017).  Burnout can be defined as “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity” (Maslach, 1986, p.61). The profession of school psychology places individuals at risk for this experience, yet we are ethically mandated to address such experiences by seeking help or participating in self-care practices (Lopez, 2017). Managing stress effectively and developing effective support systems are essential as options for self-care practices for school psychologists.  NASP recommends the following six strategies for managing stress: 1) balancing stress to remain motivated while maintaining performance, 2) select 1-2 key interests and learn to say no to other initiatives, 3) set hours and stick to them, 4) make time for home life, 5) designate a personal office space, 6) stay healthy by sticking to an exercise routine and moving at least every 30 minutes during your school day (Bjorkman, 2017). In addition, establishing support systems that support collaboration are effective strategies for self-care within the school.  Delineating personal friendships and professional acquaintances are important boundaries to establish (Bjorkman, 2017).  Identifying colleagues or family members who are sources of emotional support who can provide an ear to hear your needed venting session may fall to someone outside one’s circle of professional acquaintances. It is important for us to consider who we can rely upon, when we need to vent and when we need to step away from our professional duties to have time with family or friends.  As we prepare for winter break and potential needed time away, let us consider our need for self-care and use our time wisely to rest and restore. References Bjorkman, S. (2010). Developing support systems and managing stress. National Association of School Psychologists. Bethesda, MD: NASP. Lopez, P. (2017). Self-care: The missing link in best practice- part 1. Communiqué, 45(4).   Maslach, C. (1986). Stress, burnout, and alcoholism. In R.R. Kilburg, P.E. Nathan, & R.W. Thoreson (Eds.) Professionals in distress: Issues, Syndromes and solutions in psychology (pp. 53-76). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.