How can you incorporate self-care into your team's workflow?

1 Assess your needs

The first step to incorporating self-care into your team's workflow is to assess your own and your team's needs. This means identifying the sources of stress, the signs of burnout, and the areas of improvement in your work environment. You can use tools such as the Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL) or the Self-Care Assessment Worksheet (SCAW) to measure your levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. You can also conduct a SWOT analysis with your team to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in your work context.

3 Practice mindfulness

The third step to incorporating self-care into your team's workflow is to practice mindfulness. This means being present, aware, and non-judgmental of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in the moment. You can use tools such as the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program or the Headspace app to learn and practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, breathing exercises, body scans, and mindful movements. You can also use strategies such as the STOP technique or the RAIN technique to cope with challenging emotions and situations.

4 Seek support

The fourth step to incorporating self-care into your team's workflow is to seek support. This means reaching out to your colleagues, supervisors, mentors, peers, friends, family, or professional helpers when you need help, advice, feedback, or encouragement. You can use tools such as the Peer Support Model or the Supervision Model to establish and maintain supportive relationships with your co-workers and supervisors. You can also use strategies such as the Circle of Influence or the Circle of Concern to identify and focus on the things that you can control and influence.

5 Celebrate success

The fifth step to incorporating self-care into your team's workflow is to celebrate success. This means acknowledging and appreciating your own and your team's achievements, progress, and contributions. You can use tools such as the SMART goals or the OKR framework to set and track your goals and outcomes. You can also use strategies such as the Gratitude Journal or the Positive Feedback Loop to express and receive gratitude and recognition.

6 Have fun

The sixth and final step to incorporating self-care into your team's workflow is to have fun. This means engaging in activities that bring you joy, pleasure, and relaxation. You can use tools such as the Wheel of Life or the Life Balance Inventory to assess and balance your life domains. You can also use strategies such as the 5-3-1 Rule or the Bucket List to plan and pursue your hobbies, interests, and passions.