COOL DOWN
When delivering care to others, it’s important to maintain your own physical and mental well-being.
Take a break, “cool down.”
What Self-care Strategies Help You Recharge?
We want to hear from TNA members. Please share self-care strategies that help you “cool down.”
Kit Bredimus
I am a runner, and I like to hit the road to let my mind wander. It is a time for contemplation and a big stress reliever. You can partially zone out on longer runs and that's where I can just come up with ideas and chase thoughts. I am currently working my way through the world's major marathons, but it's the daily training runs that are my recharge and centering time.
Michelle Hext
Get out of the four walls! Anything and everything outside! No gym for me. I prefer hiking outdoors in the woods or along nature trails. Swimming in my pool under the sun often follows my hikes. Even when I have to do it at night I listen to the frogs and crickets as I walk and dance in the street of my neighborhood under the moon and stars. Bike riding is also fun, especially if I am extra tired from a long shift. Being active lifts my mood and gives me energy to keep going!
Betty Richardson
To relax and cool down, I garden. I make several trips to the garden to plant vegetables I’ve grown by seed or purchased at the nursery. These trips give me the 7,000 steps I’m shooting for. Steps help me keep my blood sugar down. My A1c has gone from near 7 to 5.
Carolina Orellana Carvallo
Since May last year, I started learning how to paint with watercolor. I’ve been watching YouTube videos, and it’s helping me release all the emotional stressors from the past few months. I have my paintings on a wall, reminding me of all the difficult times that I’ve gone through, of being resilient and compassionate with myself, and learning about my emotions and embracing all the aspects of my being, lights and shadows. Painting with awareness, passion, and compassion has been key to accepting myself in different aspects of my life.
