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Self-care isn't self-indulgence, it's self-preservation. @Gem_Hill quoting Audre Lord. We're going to learn what's in our self-care backpack! #MoTrix
What's self-care? Something deliberate you do for yourself. Basic self-care- keeping clean, well-fed, hydrated. More advanced - work out, do crafts, beyond the basic needs. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Some self-care options aren't available to us right now - it might be important in your life to go out to eat, go work out, go to the office. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix How do we deal with less than ideal circumstances?
Another way to look at self-care is parts of you it affects. Body, mind, spirit/soul/emotions. Different activities fit in different parts depending on the individual. Yoga could be in any of those, for example. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
That's a way to give your self-care some structure. Today, might have to substitute activities. Coffee or crafting via Zoom, for example. Change the medium. Maybe audio books while doing housework since no commute! @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Take advantage of all the time you can. Even 30 seconds - remembering to breathe - that is still good self-care. (I agree!) @Gem_Hill #MoTrix Might be a stretch, looking at something on the internet - grab that time.
. @Gem_Hill recommends journaling, even 1 small thing you did for yourself. Cup of tea just the right temperature! Something nice. #MoTrix Build the habit, then you don't have to think again, you start noticing the good things in your life.
Create new routines in your life. (Our old routines are disrupted anyway!) Step away from the laptop during lunch, maybe. Don't worry if you stray from your routine, though. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
These days, video calls might feel good, or maybe overwhelming. @Gem_Hill finds she doesn't want to look at her computer screen in the evening. You don't have to constantly be online or be social. #MoTrix (Even though you don't have the "I have plans!" excuse!)
Be kind to yourself. That helps us be kinder to other people. Empathy fail on yourself leads to empathy fail on others. Being kind to others helps us be kind to ourselves, too. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Being told other people have it worse has never made anyone feel better! Constant change can be stressful. Don't be surprised if you're more tired or short-tempered right now. Background anxiety is exhausting. Listen to your body/mind, see what you need. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Check in with yourself, just like you do with other people - you deserve this! Self-care is an act of kindness and an act of power. Be on your own side in this. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
I'm personally using @Gem_Hill's self-care backpack, and finding it really helpful in managing my own anxiety and helping me be kinder to myself. You can get it at http://backpack.gemhill.co.uk . Follow @CareBackpack here and Instragram. Gem's slides will be available. #MoTrix
Good question from audience - is there pressure to "do more" now that we're wfh - and have "more time" (hah!) @Gem_Hill says she's talking more with people now (via Zoom) than when she saw them in person every day. "Trying to be normal" - but it's not normal right now. #MoTrix
Do people feel guilty about taking time for self-care? Great question from @conorfi . Self-care doesn't necessarily be working towards a goal. We don't have to be "productive" all the time. Do things that make you feel good. #MoTrix
Well-being initiatives at work can be coffee where you don't talk about work or an hour spent crafting together. Even if it's not an official company activity, you can start small and find allies. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Mental health first aid (you can google it) may be available at your company or out in the community. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Break things down, make to-do lists, be reasonable about what you can expect of yourself in a day. Writing it down or recording it can get it off your mind and keep you from constant context-switching. Helps prioritize. Pair learning is an option. @Gem_Hill #MoTrix
Don't limit your self-worth to what you got "done". We deserve kindness all the time no matter what we "achieved". @Gem_Hill #MoTrix Notice how you are feeling, notice your thoughts. Is your inner critic sounding off at you? Make her give you a break.
(I found @denisejacobs book _Banish Your Inner Critic_ was a help for my fight against my negative inner voice! https://www.amazon.com/Banish-Your-Inner-Critic-Self-Doubt/dp/1633534715 )
Good question from audience - is lying in bed doing nothing just because you feel "meh" self care or self-sabotage or lazy? @Gem_Hill says it's all about practice. You might have felt better doing something else, if so try that next time, but don't get down on yourself. #MoTrix
Indeed this will be available on @ministryoftest Dojo, and check @Gem_Hill's website for more resources.
And indeed, I will be talking next week at #MoTrix about cognitive bias! (Which now I'm a bit scared about, I forgot there's lots of Q&A and I am far from an expert on the topic!)
