EMPath operates a professional learning network for people working in the human and social service fields. Our network members work at all sorts of organizations: philanthropic, government agency, academic institution, and direct service provider (think: shelter). Our network members have all sorts of job titles: mentor, case manager, social worker, program manager or director.

Some of our members are practitioners of EMPath’s coaching model. In the wake of the crisis and in efforts to adapt, The Weekly Exchange launched to create a space to gather and share best practices and what we are doing to adjust to this new way of living.

We will share the key takeaways from The Weekly Exchange, here, weekly. These are the aggregated responses from the virtual discussion.

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The Weekly Exchange: Session 1

Topic: Self-Care
Facilitators: Jennifer Lowe & Stephanie Brueck-Cassoli

The participants that we work with are in even more vulnerable positions than they were before and we are affected by it too so we need to figure out how to take care of ourselves so we can best support our participants.

How have you shown yourself self-care the past few weeks?

Physical Activity

• Runs & Walks
• Sitting Outside

Mental Activity

• Meditation
• Limit time watching the news
• Puzzles

Social Activity

• Regular calls/video chats with friends & family
• Using Microsoft Teams and Slack to share non-work things and cut down on “Reply All” emails
• Coffee & Tea Zoom non-work chat on Fridays
• Showing small acts of kindness to the strangers we see outside, even at 6 feet apart

Creating Space - Create a routine to know what to expect during uncertainty - Create separate work/living spaces in lieu of a commute

What are some ways you’ve been able to help your participants with their own self-care?

1-2 minutes of a mindfulness exercise between checking in and transitioning to goal-setting

• Signifies transition from crisis mode to planning for the future
• Ask them what they like to do to calm down so it’s a collaborative process

Focus on positivity and positive-thinking during sessions

• Encouraging volunteering to help others with running errands and picking up groceries
• Let participants know that we’re there for them and validate what they’re going through

Flexibility is key - Recognize there is no “right or wrong” choice for a lot of these decisions right now - Make sure no one feels pressure to get specific things done during all of this - Meet participants where they are

For many, our roles have shifted to be more of a listener/sounding board versus a coach

• Matching people up with immediate needs and resources and focusing on having the time to hear people’s stories
• Sharing more personal aspects with participants – natural way to connect over shared experiences of stress and frustration

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Referenced Resources:

• The Science of Well-Being – In this course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits.
• “Weightless” by Marconi Union
• The Power of Sound by Joshua Leeds is a powerful book that speaks of how we hear and how we process it has an impact on our daily lives