Counselor’s Corner

“YOU: Self-Care”

On an airplane, you are always told to put on your own oxygen mask first. It’s the same way in life, you need to take good care of your health first. If you are not well, happy and healthy, you cannot make anyone else well, happy and healthy. During this time of increased stress, children need our support, but the best way to help is to take good care of yourself. They will see you and feel comforted, and they also will follow your lead.

I recently read an article written by licensed social worker David Melnick, of the Northeastern Family Institute of Vermont* (2020). In the article, he offers some ways "to control your sense of panic and anxiety" when dealing with life during the COVID outbreak/pandemic. I would like to share some of his ideas with you:

·        Maintain social connection. There needs to be "physical distancing, but not social distancing", he writes. He suggests you keep in contact with those you are close to through conversations, brief check-ins, letters, etc., adding, "let people know they matter to you and that you are thinking about them." Maybe this also happens through your work. I think short professional check-in’s are helpful to your mental health.

·        Get good exercise and sleep. If you had trouble sleeping, make up for it with a nap.

·        “Short moments of action, many times a day” Melnick advises. Do calming movement activities to regulate yourself. The best calming activities use your body, are repetitive and movement oriented. Do a movement activity every day, such as walking, dancing, yoga, martial arts, deep breathing, singing,sports, etc. "Short bursts of these activities will prevent the build-up of stress," he writes, "even 5 minutes every hour."

·        Make up some structure and routine for yourself. "This gives you control and predictability" he says. In a time where so much is unknown, "you can control what you do and how you approach your day".       
 Set limits on what you do each day. Do not feel guilty. You come first, and you can’t work without rest and play.

·        Perform acts of empathy and compassion. We teach this at school. You can think about how others might be feeling, especially the most vulnerable such as elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Make a donation to charity, or maybe say a prayer for others. Keep it simple!

Taking good care of yourself is an important thing to think about. We can't be available to support our kids if we aren't taking care of ourselves first.

*NFI VT COVID-19 Well-Being Ideas (Melnick)

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ann O’Hearn

School Counselor