5 Lessons Learned: Taking Care of Ourselves and Others
1. Taking care of ourselves ensures we can take care of others... There is a reason that safety briefing videos tell us to put on our own oxygen masks first… not due to a lack of compassion, but in order to ensure that we have enough compassion, love, kindness, and patience to share. We have to sustain ourselves so that we have something left to give others! Check out our SEL PSAs of the week (#SELPSAoftheWeek) for simple self-care reminders. 2. Grace is a gift we can all give… In the face of uncertainty, everyone copes a little differently. While some may turn inwards and appear to withdraw, others seek out encouragement and reassurance. Balancing our reactions allows us to meet our needs and the needs of those around us. Find the space between action and reaction by practicing mindfulness: Check out great apps for your phone or other device including “Calm: Sleep, Meditate, Relax” or “Headpsace: Meditation & Sleep” 3. We get by with a little help from our friends… When our friends take time to notice us and find ways to help and encourage us, it makes us feel good! When we take time to notice others and find ways to help and encourage them, it makes us feel good too! WIN- WIN! Challenge: Reach out to your “board of directors” (those 2-5 people whose support and opinion you seek in times of celebration and difficulty; whose suggestion for connection is predictable whether it be a walk in the woods, a night on the town, or a quiet dinner and a movie; and whose advice is predictable without even asking) and really notice them, help them, encourage them with whatever they are facing these days. 4. Meaningful conversations begin with one word… “How are you?” A question? A greeting? How about a conversation starter? Instead of answering, “Fine” or, “Busy”, sharing how we really feel opens the door for true connection. Watch: TED Talk: 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation 5. A little gratitude goes a long way… It has been easy to focus on what is difficult, but, as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. Look for the good in each day. Expressing gratitude helps to foster a positive mindset, making us feel better (and when we share our gratitude with others, it makes them feel good too!) Send an e-card to express your gratitude: https://gratefulness.org/connect/send-an-e-card/
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