When you’re spending time and energy taking care of others, caregivers to families in crisis can experience compassion fatigue. You’ll learn more about compassion fatigue and self-care in Unit 7.
Be sure to practice self-care, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Learn about and be aware of your stress level and take precautions against exceeding your own limits. Use relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation. Exercise is also very helpful. Recognize your personal limitations and set limits for yourself.
NAN has access to Mindfulness Without Borders, an online mindfulness meditation course through a grant from Shoppers Drug Mart. This is a great self-care tool that is available to you. There are a number of webinars, resources, research articles and mindfulness practices you can use. To learn more about how to cultivate your own mindfulness practice, you can visit the following: https://mindfulnesswithoutborders.org/pages/mindfulness-practices
Mindfulness Without Borders also offers some fun and engaging skills-building activities that are specifically targeted for young people. These free activities are designed for anyone working with young people including parents, educators, health professionals, social workers, camp counselors, and community-based workers. Visit the following: https://www.rethinkdigitalkit.com/preview/
