Are you practicing self care?
Here in Siem Reap, there are 20 energetic and caring staff members that are all constantly trying to get the most out of each work day. Busy days, long drives, stressful and difficult situations and events are all common during the work week.All Free To Shine staff members are so proud of the work being done and although extremely rewarding, it can be emotionally draining at times. Self care is an important tool in reducing stress, fatigue and professional burnout.Free To Shine's program coordinator, Lizzi Logan is a registered psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and passionate about providing resources and training about self care to the staff. Lizzi and Free To Shine's three social workers; San, Kongkea and Vichheka all attended the Art Therapy Conference in Phnom Penh last month where self care was a reoccurring theme, especially for those providing front line services to under-served communities.After learning many techniques at the art therapy conference, staff members proposed a new subgroup with members from each team, dedicated to self-care. They plan to act as an advisory committee, working to identify self care strategies, how they can be implemented and how best to counteract the high stresses of social work and professional burnout in this sector.After a brainstorming session and meeting, the subgroup planned an entire 'Self-Care Day' which included a long hike in a nature reserve, team building activities, a family-style meal and opportunities for personal and group reflection. The day was extremely fun with beautiful, natural sights and temples, great conversations and team building. The 'Self Care Day' left everyone feeling rejuvenated, supported and energized to return back to our work the following day.
"Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others. " – Christopher Germer
Self-Care Resources
Below is a quiz to determine if you should be introducing self-care techniques in your day-to-day life and videos about the topic!
Information on Stress & Burnout
"To experience peace does not mean that your life is always blissful. It means that you are capable of tapping into a blissful state of mind amidst the normal chaos of a hectic life. " – Jill Bolte Taylor