The Golden Nugget August 2024
I’m normally a very positive person, for me the glass is always half-full. But these days, I feel like I have to work harder to keep that perspective. Stressors and strife seem to be in every corner of the world, making it hard to find peace, anywhere. Do you feel the same way?
We don’t know how much stress we are under, or how it is affecting us, until suddenly our body starts to revolt and says Enough is Enough! A recent health scare made me realize that something had to give, and it wasn’t going to be me!
We need to be intentional about taking care of ourselves, and ultimately, finding peace. VerywellHealth tells us that putting our health and needs first, along with a bit of rest, can significantly reduce stress levels. This requires setting some boundaries and making ourselves think differently about the things that have a tendency to get us amped up. You know, reduce stressors. Easier said than done. I know.
When they’re feeling overwhelmed, I tell my staff (and sometimes, my daughters) to put on their oxygen mask. You’ve heard this analogy, right? If the plane loses cabin pressure, and the oxygen mask drops out of the ceiling, you have to put it on yourself first so you can function in the situation. This holds true for us in all aspects of our lives—we have to take care of ourselves so that we can continue to take care of others and navigate through tough situations.
Here are some tried-and-true ideas that are worth repeating:
• Focus on what you can control. If you’re a fixer like I am, this is hard because you want to control everything and everyone. You can’t, you’re not supposed to, and it’s okay.
• Take breaks throughout the day. Go for a walk, meditate (yes, meditate), call a friend, check on a colleague. Go touch grass. Getting away from a tough task or situation, even for a few minutes, gives time for the emotional response you’re feeling to ebb, and your brain time to clear and refocus.
• Get enough good sleep! For adults, that’s at least 7 hours a night. And, experts say to get off your phone and your computer an hour before bedtime to give your brain time to calm down before sleep and improve your chances of a good night’s rest.
• During the work day, take time to eat a well-balanced meal—away from your desk. This not only gives your body the fuel it needs to function, it also gives your mind a break.
• Exercise. Yes, that. Even just a 10-minute walk, three times a day, can bring stress levels down and make you feel better.
• Take count of what’s good in your life. Working in a community you love, friends, family, pets, beautiful sunrises or sunsets, hanging out on the beach, listening to good music, reading good books—you get the idea. The list can really go on and on if you think about it. Find the joy.
• Laugh. There are so many podcasts, shows, memes, YouTube or TikTok videos—the internet is rife with funny stuff. Find your funny. Laughter really is the best medicine.
I realize I just gave you another to-do list (I’m a fixer, remember?). But this is a good one, and one you can manage.
Now if you already do all these things, awesome. If you don’t, and you find yourself needing to make a lot of changes to find peace and calm in your chaotic world, pick one thing to start with and build from there (no need to make reducing stress stressful!). Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist a friend, mentor or family member to help you (remember that swim buddy?). Want someone in the profession to talk with? VLGMA has Regional Support Coordinators who are there to help, and there’s one near you—reach out to them.
Taking good care of yourself is totally within your control. Soon you’ll find that peace and, hopefully, a greater sense of resiliency as you navigate through whatever’s on your plate. We’re all dealing with stuff, you’re not alone. I need to work on this too--let’s compare notes the next time we see each other.
Until next time,
Debbie
Save the date(s):
Professional Development Committee Meeting: August 16th
Fall Executive Board Meeting: October 29th
Deputies, Assistants, and Others Fall Meeting (DAO): October 4th
Winter Conference: February 19-February 21st