Safety Bulletin: July 2024

Embracing Self-Care as Psychological PPE

On July 24th we celebrate International Self-Care Day, an important reminder for us to prioritize well-being. Psychological PPE refers to strategies and practices we use to protect our mental and emotional well-being, just as physical PPE protects us from physical harms, self-care acts as psychological PPE. For those in the long-term care sector, these practices are crucial to maintaining resilience and providing high-quality care.

  • Practicing mindfulness or meditation can enhance your emotional resilience and reduce stress. Simple breathing exercises or mindfulness apps can be helpful tools.
  • Engage with colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals for support. A robust support network can provide emotional relief and practical advice.
  • Learning to say no and delegating tasks when necessary is crucial. Setting clear boundaries prevents overcommitment and helps manage stress levels.
  • Pursue activities you enjoy outside of work to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Hobbies can provide a sense of fulfillment and joy.

Psychological PPE is just as important as physical PPE, psychological PPE is necessary to protect your mental and emotional health. Try implementing small changes first, simple daily adjustments can significantly impact your well-being and ability to care for others. Building a support network so that when times are tough you can lean on colleagues, friends, and professionals for support and guidance.

On July 24th, let’s commit to integrating self-care – our own psychological PPE – into our lives. By prioritizing our mental and emotional health, we can ensure that we can continue to provide compassionate and effective care. Remember, self-care is not a one-time effort but a continuous process essential for long-term resilience and well-being.

 

Additional Resources:

Not Myself Today – Fostering Positive Workplace CultureFor more information, please contact:

Lesley MacKinnon
Manager, Safety
Lesley.Mackinnon@BethanySeniors.com

Or

Site OHS Committee Chair or RepresentativeTelus Health supports employee health and well-being.

Bethany employees have access to a wide range of resources, such as:

  • Telus Health Blog
  • Webinars and Events
  • 24/7 Specialist Counselling

Telus Health

username: bcs
Password: EAP
Phone: 1-877-207-8833
Phone App: Telus Health One

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