Family representation can take a tremendous toll on the professionals that serve families in crisis. Self-care is critical to competent and sustainable practice. One of the easiest tools to use for self care is simply the practice of “the long exhale.” Our brains are wired to relax when our exhale is longer than our inhale. Science has tested this principle, but your own experience confirms this idea – think of times you have “sighed in relief”.  Take a few minutes each day, especially during stressful times of the day, to sit comfortably, close your eyes, breath in deeply through your nose, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.  Try counting so that your inhale is half as long as your exhale.  Pay attention to your body and your breath and feel yourself relax!