Dr. Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D wrote The Bereavement Caregiver's Self-Care Guidelines with some great information on how to take care of yourself if you are in a care giving profession. We believe this information can be applied to anyone and everyone — whether you're in the "helping" profession, helping a grieving friend or co-worker, or just feeling burnt out. Below are the wise words of Dr. Wolfelt - edited to be applied to everyone.
We invite you to read Dr. Wolfelt's words and share them with your friends. You can find more resources on grief and mourning from Dr. Wolfelt on our website by clicking here.
The Joy of Mini-Vacations
What creative ideas can you come up with to renew yourself? Here are a few ideas to get you started. However, it is encouraged that you to create your own list and pursue them.
Schedule a massage with a professional massage therapist
Have a spiritual growth weekend. Retreat into nature. Plan some alone time.
Go for a drive with no particular destination in mind. Explore the countryside, slow down and observe what you see.
Treat yourself to a night in a hotel or bed and breakfast.
Visit a museum or a zoo.
Go for a hot air balloon ride.
Take an afternoon off and go to the movies-maybe even a kid's movie!
Go to a yard sale or auction.
Go rollerskating or rollerblading with a friend!
Enjoy a photographic retreat. Take your camera into nature and shoot away.
Watch cartoons with a child.
Visit a farmer's market and shop for fresh produce.
Drop by a health food store and walk the aisles.
Go dancing.
Take a horseback ride.
Plan a river-rafting trip.
Remember Your Child-Like Self
Let's pause and recall some of the characteristics of childhood.
Children:
are physically connected to the world around them.
take risks.
are open, enthusiastic learners
imagine and dream
are naturally curious
spontaneously laugh and smile a lot
are passionate and expressive
try new things when they get bored
rest when they need rest
try to have fun whenever they can
So, have you "grown up" and forgotten about the joy of being a child? If so, you may have left behind some of the best self-care strategies ever. Think about the way healthy kids go about their day, then think about how you spend your day. Have you forgotten how vital fun is to life and living?
There is a well-established link between play and energy. Playing often can be a vital part of your self-care plan. Being grown-up doesn't mean always being serious. Most really successful people not only work hard, they also play hard. Childlike behavior generates joy, fun and enthusiasm.
Ask yourself: What can I do to stay in touch with my inner child?
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About the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada, Inc.
The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) of Southern Nevada, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring that those who are emotionally traumatized in emergency situations receive the assistance they need. TIP works closely with local emergency respond agencies who request well-trained citizen volunteers to emergency scenes to assist family members, witnesses, and other bystanders directly on-scene, during the investigation. Click here for more information.