Minding your health & wellbeing as a Social Care Worker in Ireland
Social Care Worker and Support Worker roles across Ireland are deeply rewarding—you support people at their most vulnerable and make a life-changing difference every day. But the work can also be emotionally demanding and physically tiring. Building strong habits around self-care is essential to maintaining your wellbeing and sustaining your impact.
Here’s how you can balance the realities of a Social Care role in Ireland with practical wellbeing strategies.
Recognise the Unique Stressors
Social Care roles can involve compassion fatigue, irregular hours, physical demands and emotional strain. Understanding these pressures helps you plan ahead and protect your wellbeing.
Connect with Nature
Ireland’s natural landscape makes it easy to reset—whether you’re walking coastal paths, exploring local parks, visiting rivers and lakes, or getting fresh air in rural countryside. Time outdoors can help clear your head, improve mood and boost resilience.
Stay Active
Across Ireland you’ll find gyms, fitness studios, GAA clubs, running groups, yoga and Pilates classes, swimming pools and outdoor sports facilities. Many towns and cities offer climbing centres, greenways for cycling, and access to watersports like kayaking or rowing. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage stress.
Look After the Basics
Shift work can affect sleep, mood and routine. Try to build consistent bedtime habits, limit screen time before sleep, stay hydrated and make use of rest days. Ireland has a thriving market scene featuring fresh local produce—ideal for staying well-nourished with balanced meals.
Support Your Mental Wellbeing
Small daily habits—journaling, mindfulness, breathing exercises or short walks—can make a difference. If you work with TTM, you also have access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7 confidential mental health support and in-person counselling.
Stay Connected
Social connection is essential. Whether you join local clubs, reconnect with friends, take a class or explore a new hobby, nurturing your life outside work helps you stay grounded.
