This is a great resource for your next OHS meeting, take the time to review these 10 strategies for well-being with your team!
1. Practice Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or body scans, help workers stay present and manage stress. Grounding techniques—focusing on physical sensations like feeling the floor beneath your feet—can help reduce anxiety and reconnect to the present moment.
2. Set Healthy Boundaries
Establish clear emotional and physical boundaries between work and personal life. Learn to recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and take breaks, or step back when needed. It’s essential to know when to say no to avoid burnout.
3. Seek Supervision and Peer Support
Regular supervision or team meetings where workers can reflect on difficult cases, share experiences, and receive guidance can help prevent emotional overload. Peer support groups or mentorship can also provide emotional relief and allow workers to process challenging emotions in a safe space.
4. Engage in Reflective Practice
Reflect on your interactions with children and families, recognizing both successes and areas of growth. This reflection can foster a sense of accomplishment, help workers process complex emotions, and enhance personal and professional development.
5. Prioritize Physical Self-Care
Regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting sufficient sleep are crucial for overall well-being. Simple actions, like stretching or taking a walk during breaks, can reduce tension and improve mood.
6. Take Regular Breaks
Ensure to take scheduled breaks throughout the day. Short, frequent breaks can help reduce stress and maintain focus and energy levels. Stepping away from emotionally intense situations, even for just a few minutes, can help restore emotional balance.
7. Create a Safe and Supportive Workspace
Cultivate a work environment that feels emotionally and physically safe. This could mean setting up a quiet space for moments of respite, decorating the office with calming elements, or having supportive colleagues to share experiences with.
8. Engage in Creative or Restorative Activities
Participating in creative activities like art, journaling, or music can provide an outlet for processing emotions. Engaging in hobbies outside of work—such as spending time with loved ones or enjoying nature—can also restore energy.
9. Recognize the Signs of Burnout
Being aware of the signs of burnout (fatigue, irritability, feeling disconnected from work) allows workers to take action early. Regular self-assessments of emotional and physical health, and recognizing when additional support is needed, are key in preventing long-term burnout.
10. Access Professional Support
Therapy or counseling provides a safe space to talk about the emotional toll of working with traumatized children. Mental health professionals can help workers process vicarious trauma, manage stress, and develop coping strategies.
By integrating these strategies into their routines, frontline workers can enhance their resilience, maintain their well-being, and continue to offer high-quality support to children experiencing trauma.