How We Care

How We Care: Episode 18: Acts of Self-Care for Helping Professionals

Episode Summary

Elizabeth and Paul take a lucky dip approach to the card resource '50 Acts of Professional Self-Care developed by Siobhan McLean of Kirwin Mc Lean Associates and Self-Care Psychology and pull out some cards at random to prompt discussion.

Episode Notes

Elizabeth and Paul take a lucky dip approach to the card resource '50 Acts of Professional Self-Care developed by Siobhan McLean of Kirwin Mc Lean Associates and Self-Care Psychology and pull out some cards at random to prompt discussion.

More information on this resource is available via Twitter @SelfCarePsy, via facebook @selfcarepsychology or at selfcarepsychology.com

Two exercises mentioned at the end and drawn from the above resource are:

The Equal Breathing Exercise

Equalising breathing can calm the body and mind very effectively, and can be great to do at times of stress.  It is taken from the Yoga tradition where it is known as Sama-Vritti, and also backed by scientific observation.

To prepare you can lie down, sit up straight, or stand up straight, then;

  1. Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4
  2. Pause
  3. Exhale for a count of 4
  4. Repeat for a few minutes, or as long as you feel comfortable.

The Passive Progressive Relaxation Exercise

Used to help people achieve deep relaxation. It can be done at work (e.g. at your desk). For best results it is best to lie flat, however.  The best way to experience this is via a recording, and there are may versions of the exercise available free online  (e.g. on YouTube) You will be guided through each area of your body, relaxing each as you progress through the exercise.

 If you’d like to find our more or obtain a transcript of this episode, contact Elizabeth via www.elizabethturp.co.uk  Twitter at @lizahpool or Paul at www.paulgaunt.co uk  or email paulgaunt2@gmail.com

You can also find us on Twitter at @howwecarepod