Self care is always important for us as it is very well said “Health is Wealth”. Specially when we work in a stressful field where we come across many intense experiences of our clients or patients everyday it becomes very important to take care of ourselves because we get effected emotionally which gradually effects our health. Following are the references which support the concepts of coping stress:-
1) Dennis Portnoy is a licensed psychotherapist (MFT# 022418) He has explained the ways to prevent and counteract job burnout and compassion fatigue. Improve self-care and work effectiveness.
What is the key to preventing and counteracting job burnout, stress, and compassion fatigue? If you want a less stressful and more balanced life, you need to address Both externally-imposed and self-imposed pressures. There are times when you can't change stressful circumstances such as a demanding workload or an annoying co-worker, but you can minimize the negative effects of stress by counteracting attitudes that perpetuate stress and limit attention to self-care.
Self-care strengthens your resiliency, which can reduce susceptibility to burnout. Self-care is not just a matter of making healthy lifestyle choices. It also includes self-compassion, having healthy boundaries, being attuned to your needs, and staying true to your values. Self-neglect takes a toll on your health, relationships, and your effectiveness.
2)Public health Agency Of Canada – This agency is aware of the sources of stress for the care givers and gives the importance to the self care and provides the information about it in the following link - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/oes-bsu-02/caregvr-eng.php
Assignment Two
Personal care plan – Planning is must for a better and organised life so we need to have a plan for self care because we should exactly know what works for us according to our need and interest.
The following needs are very important to keep my stress level low-
Emotional Needs - Stress is a biological and biochemical process that begins in the brain and spread through the nervous system. Serotonin and Dopamine are released to maintain control and keep us happy.Emotional needs are fulfilled by the family and friends by their support and the sense of belongingness is there.
If as a family you have meals together and share your daily experiences it will keep you all close to each other and you will be able to eat properly and happily which is good enough to keep all healthy. Care and respect each other and go for outing togetheryou will not feel lonely. Physical Needs- Physical Exercise reduce heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and many other diseases and metabolic conditions. Regular fitness exercise is also highly beneficial for weight reduction and weight maintenance, and may improve brain chemistry to reduce depression.
Spiritual Needs -Faith can provide people with a sense of purpose and guidelines for living. spirituality has been shown to reduce depression, improve blood pressure, and boost the immune system. Going to relegious places is very soothing because we get our social support as well as spiritual gain. Listening to the hyms relaxes mind which helps to stay in good mental health.
Intellectual Needs- Dr. Mark Tramo, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School says "We believe a handful of neural codes is used by the brain, so exercising the brain through music strengthens other cognitive skills. It's a lot like saying" If you exercise your body by running, you enhance your ability not only to run but also to play soccer or basketball."
Book is the best companion read good books you will feel good and empowered.
