To be effective in our engagement with people (no matter what our role) we need to be taking care of ourselves. When we look after our own needs, we have more resilience and energy to support others. Taking time for yourself and your wellbeing helps to sustain you and can prevent experiences of vicarious trauma, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue or burnout.
Recognising the signs of stress early, finding ways to maintain balance through activities you enjoy and connecting in supportive relationships are three basic aspects of self care.
These resources provide learning and strategies for self care.
Self care websites and articles
- Wellbeing for Healthcare Workers (NZ)
- Wellbeing for Health – Kāhui Oranga (NZ)
- Reducing the impact of stress - The Three Rs by the Mental Health Foundation (NZ)
- Hine Ora, Whai Ora. A Māori perspective on mindfulness (NZ)
- Joy in work. (USA)
- Self-Care for those who work with trauma (USA)
- Trauma-Informed Oregon Self-Care Starter Kit. (USA)
- Action Collaborative on Clinician Wellbeing and Resilience. (USA)
