Now that we’ve discussed burnout, secondary traumatic stress, and compassion fatigue, it’s time to learn more about how to take care of yourself! We will break down a lot of these ideas next week, but today’s blog is focused on daily self-care.
Daily Self-Care Check-Up
Take time each day to ask yourself these questions so you can gauge your stress level and well being
- Are you feeling angry or irritated?
- Are you feeling anxious or nervous?
- Do you feel you may be in denial?
- Do you lack motivation or have trouble focusing?
- Are you feeling more tired than usual or are you feeling overwhelmed?
- Are you having trouble sleeping?
- Are you using any substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or drugs?
- Are you feeling sad or depressed? (Seek help if these feelings are extreme)
- Are you grieving for someone who died from COVID?
Daily Personal Care Check-Up
Make time each day for each of these activities to make sure you are taking time for self-care
- Sleep at least 7 hours
- Take vitamins or necessary medications
- Ate at least three balanced meals
- Make time for personal hygiene
- Engage in 30 minutes (or whatever you can do!) of moderate activity like fast walking or running
- Recharge yourself with music, journaling, meditation, time with friends or family or some other activity you prefer
Having a Rough Day?
When days seem especially bad, here are some ideas for things you can do to reduce stress and work on your mental health and well-being
- Connect with someone supportive
- Write down your thoughts in a journal or on a piece of paper you can throw away if you don’t want to keep what you have written
- If you need some journal prompts, consider a few of these ideas:
- What do I need to be at my best?
- What was the best thing that happened today?
- What inspires me?
- What gave me hope today?
- If you need some journal prompts, consider a few of these ideas:
- Relax your mind and body with meditation, yoga, or a religious or spiritual activity
- Make your basic needs a priority and let less important tasks wait until you are able and ready to tackle them
- Take a day off – Whether it’s work or another obligation, it is ok to take time off when you really need to