Resources For Grief Blog
Welcome to this online journal for caregivers to the dying or bereaved—important and challenging work, for sure! My goal is to support you by providing inspirational thoughts, pertinent resources, and suggestions for self-care. With appreciation for all you do!
- Rebecca Hauder
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Check in With Yourself
September 8, 2021
“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” ~Parker Palmer, Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation
Are you feeling torn between your sense of duty to care for patients and the need to take care of yourself? The COVID pandemic has made jobs in the healthcare field more demanding and emotionally draining than ever before, leaving many stretched thin and on the verge of burnout. A 40 year-old wife and mom I spoke with recently said, “I was exhausted from caring for double the usual number patients, plus I was afraid of bringing COVID home to my kids. I was losing perspective on life and finally had to quit my job.”
Taking care of patients versus taking care of self should NOT be an either/or—even while on the job! In the spirit of compassion I offer a few suggestions: Check in with yourself every hour or two while at work. (Consider setting the alarm on your phone as a reminder!) Ask yourself, “What do I need? Is it a drink of water or a cup of tea? A few bites of a protein bar? A trip to the restroom? A step outside for a breath of fresh air? A few minutes of slow deep breathing? (Web MD recommends breathing techniques for stress relief at https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques.)
When you’re away from the job, look for additional ways to care for yourself. Exercise regularly. Eat nutritious meals. Spend time in nature. And most importantly, find a place to safely “unload” by talking to a counselor, spiritual leader, or good friend, and join a support group for healthcare workers if one is available in your area.
Warmest regards, Rebecca
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