LOOKING BACK ON YOUR AMERICORPS YEAR SELF CARE

LOOKING BACK ON YOUR AMERICORPS YEAR

SELF CARE

What does self-care mean to you?

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF | SELF CARE • Why is self care important? • What does self-care look like for you? • What happens when you are not able to take care of yourself? • Physical • Mental • Emotional • Overall wellness • Poor boundaries • Harm to self, others

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CHIEF STRESSOR?

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELF-CARE • Setting good boundaries • Embracing your total self • Strengths • Vulnerabilities • Exercise, down time, and play regularly • Knowing what works for you • Checklist of small things • Connect with your support network • Limiting caffeine; alcohol • Healthy eating • Creative outlets

CONTINUED • Focus daily on your accomplishments • Avoid criticizing yourself unnecessarily • Give yourself a gift on your birthday or other holiday event • Create a space in your home that feels serene and peaceful • Keep your environment organized and tidy • Write daily in a gratitude journal to help refocus your mind on those things that are positive in your life • Post a list of what is valued, enjoyable or precious in your life on your fridge or somewhere you will see it daily • Nurture your spirit using quiet reflection, meditation, or prayer

CONTINUED • Stop multi-tasking – focus on one thing at a time • Work at a reasonable, steady pace • Break down seemingly overwhelming tasks and projects into smaller achievable parts • Recognize and celebrate your small steps along the way • Tell your manager you want to be successful at your job and ask them how they would measure that • Take regular assigned breaks • Resist working unnecessary overtime • Even if you must provide contact information in case of emergency, try as much as possible to stay disconnected from work during vacation tim

EXPERIENCING BURNOUT • Physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion • Believing your work doesn’t have meaning • Having low energy • Persistent negative or cynical attitude • What causes this? • Frail personal boundaries • Financial issues • Chronic personal struggles • Change: new beginnings, loses, or struggles

STRESS MANIFESTATIONS • Behavioral and emotional manifestations • Anger • Indecisiveness • Critical of self and others • Mood swings • Diminished initiative • Intellectual manifestations • Forgetfulness • Lack of awareness • Physical manifestations • Stooped posture • Heart palpitations • Nausea or vomiting

RESOURCES FOR SELF CARE + MENTAL HEALTH • Resource Packet: Self Care Assessment • Resource Packet: Gratitude Journal • Kentucky Counseling Center Serves entire state Online mental health program Access using any device with internet Some services available for ohio residents Accepts multiple private insurances and Medicaid (wllcare, aetna, caresource) No coverage? Sliding scale • Develop Self-Care Plan • VISTA Campus Webinars • https: //www. vistacampus. gov/resources/mental-health-stress-and-resilience • https: //www. vistacampus. gov/resources/avoiding-burnout-during-service • Returning Members: Member Assistance Program

REFLECTING ON YOUR YEAR

CONVERSATION STARTERS • What have you gained from your service experience? • What is the most valuable thing you have learned while serving as a member? • What challenges did you have to overcome? • What was a highlight of your service? • How will your service impact your civic engagement? • How would you describe your service using one word?

THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN

HELP US BUILD UP NEXT YEAR’S MEMBERS! • Record yourself sharing: • Something you wish you would have know before starting service • Piece of advice • Recommendations • Written submissions welcome!