Featuring Dr. Alyson VanAhn from Associated Clinic of Psychology

We live in a culture that rewards many things, some positive and some that tax our resilience. As health care workers during an ongoing pandemic, we might be especially prone to burning the candle at both ends to hold it all together at work and home.

We know from decades of research that this mental and physical exertion can turn into exhaustion and backfire. We can become burned out and notice our patience and energy, as well as productivity and effectiveness, deteriorate at times. All the while, we worry about staffing, care quality and things apart from our own well-being.

As always, resilience is still possible. Despite all these pressures and COVID-related stressors for senior care leaders and staff, we only have to look in the mirror to see the stuff we are giving out and showing our teams and our loved ones. Whether it looks good or not so pretty, it provides a good platform for change. We can change the dynamics of our teams and our home front just by being what we want to see in others.

Here are a few ideas on how:

• Do you believe that self care leads to safer care for the residents and staff with whom you work? If so, embrace it. Let others know what you're doing to take a mental and/or physical break from the pressures (e.g., a short walk or a few hours for quiet or socializing, whichever fills you up). They will be encouraged to do the same if you lead by example.
• Highlight a theme for the week or month in your workplace (or home too!), such as physical movement, moments of fun, or acts of kindness toward yourself that team members can focus on and share if they'd like. Be an example.
• When you’re having an overwhelming day, acknowledge it to yourself and appropriate others. Perfection isn’t the model that gets you and your staff most resilient. It is relieving to those working for and with you when they see you can bounce back from mistakes and overwhelmed moments. And you can do it while maintaining professionalism.
• Remember the basics and let others see you practice them: deep breaths, hydrating and eating enough, and the list goes on. Again, nobody does these all the time, but deliberately attending to them yourself can have a ripple effect on those around you that impacts productivity and reduces burnout.

For more information about stress relief during COVID-19, go to www.leadingagemncoaching.com.

At no charge, you can arrange virtual staff support groups through LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation’s COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line project. Contact Terri Foley at tfoley@leadingagemn.org or 651-815-8137.