Self-Care Tips for Staff and Faculty

Stressful times cause for more purposeful focus on self-care. You may want to try to implement these tips to try to alleviate some of your stress.

• Make connections. This will take time to develop. Create and maintain contact with a small group of people you can call on for emotional support. Take turns talking and laughing.  Isolating yourself can make things worse.
• Create joy and satisfaction and LAUGH. Especially at yourself. Spend time with those who make you laugh. Watch a comedy or read a funny book. There is evidence that smiling changes your emotions to pleasant and your thoughts to optimism. Do something you loved to do as a kid, e.g. walk barefoot through grass.

• Nurture a positive of self. Catch yourself when you start to think negatively or are putting yourself down. Actively replace these negative thoughts with a positive view. Create a list of affirmations for yourself (e.g. I grow and change, I am open-minded, etc.) Even if you aren't convinced, fake it until you make it!

• Find activities that sooth and relax you. Relaxation improves the mind and helps the body recover from stress. Even 10 minutes a day would be helpful! Use deep breathing techniques-take a deep breath slowly and all the way down to your stomach, hold your breath for a few seconds, and slowly breathe out by emptying your stomach of your breath. Tell yourself to "let go of any tension" as you breathe out. Do this for at least 5-6 times in each sitting. Practice yoga, listen to relaxation tapes, etc.

• Do some kind of physical activity, even if you only have 10 minutes. Find a routine that creates a sweat and that fits your style (e.g. walk, swim, weights). This is a must to relieve stress and anxiety.

• Help others. Those who consistently help other people experience less depression, greater calm, fewer pains and better health. You can call a friend to see how they're doing, serve your significant other breakfast in bed, let a car in front of you on the highway, smile at a stranger.

• Pay attention to your body. Nourish your body with nutritious food. Skipping meals robs you the energy you need. Sleep and rest when you are tired.

• Nurture your mind and spirit. Pray, meditate, practice whatever feeds you spiritually. Keep a journal - write down your thoughts and feelings in various situations. Note any patterns or questions you'd like to discuss with your support circle. Take care of yourself!

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  It is crucial that we continue to connect our USF community during this time of social distancing. Share your photos, stories, inspirational quotes, worries, anything on your mind on the following platforms. We are all in this together!

• Facebook group page
• Instagram, using #GoConnect
• Go Connect padlet

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