Building the foundations of Mindfulness

Before we begin, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Much like the flight attendant when you get on the airplane reminding you to "put on your face mask first before putting on anyone else's." This statement remains true in all aspects of life. The ability to be mindful means you need to first start with your overall self-care. Self - care includes the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.

So let us stop there and reflect. What makes you happy?
Truly.
Stop and think.

THE JOURNEY TO SELF-CARE

When it comes to providing mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to others, it's important to first prioritize our personal health and wellness. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of ourselves not only benefits us but also allows us to better support and guide others on their own wellness journeys. In this lesson, we will explore the steps for wellness and self-care that will enable us to be effective care givers and promote a positive and healthy environment for those we are responsible for.

STEP ONE

The first step in taking care of ourselves is ensuring we have a solid foundation of physical health. This includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and engaging in regular exercise. When our bodies are well-rested, well-nourished, and active, we have more energy and mental clarity to bring to our role as caregivers. We are also better equipped to handle the physical demands of the job, which can often involve long hours and being on our feet. Setting aside time for self-care activities such as yoga, hiking, or even just taking a relaxing bath can further support our physical wellness and help us recharge. We will be working through our physical self-care in the next section.

STEP TWO

In addition to our physical health, it's equally important to nurture our mental and emotional well-being. Caregiving can be both rewarding and challenging, and it's crucial to develop strategies to manage stress and maintain a positive mindset. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can help us stay grounded and present in the moment, even during stressful situations. Journaling or talking to a trusted friend or mentor can provide an outlet for our emotions and help us process any difficulties we may encounter. By prioritizing our mental and emotional health, we not only enhance our own well-being but also enable ourselves to be empathetic and supportive to the children we work with. In the sections to come we will be going deeper into our mental health and ways to support it.

SELF-CARE REFLECTION

Use a piece of paper or the document below and take a moment to reflect on your overall self-care. What are you currently doing to support your own needs, what are things you want to do or change, what are some personal goals you want to achieve and how are you going to achieve them?