Stress doesn't always bring out the best in people. Our frustration levels are high and our personal debt loads are climbing ever higher. Are we taking this out on each other? Have we started being disrespectful to those with whom we disagree? I know I have. I know my patience is dwindling and that I am lashing out in situations where I would normally take a deep breath and respond politely. I am more anxious and irritable and it is starting to affect my personal relationships. Nurturing my relationships has taken a back seat to the political, social, financial, physical and emotional demands of the strike. I am jumping to the defensive much quicker and I have less time to listen to the concerns of others.
This lack of patience is perfectly normal, but how is it affecting our well-being? Are we allowing it to harm ourselves and others? Are we taking the time to make sure we are sustaining our relationships with our families, friends, colleagues and romantic partners? Taking time for yourself does not mean you are not committed to your political ideology. Taking time for yourself ensures that you can continue to participate and interact with others in a healthy way.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 12, 2009
Striking and Self-Care
Striking is stressful. We have been at this for a while now, many of you with little to no break. Whether you are picketing, driving vans, writing songs and letters, bringing music to the lines, making videos, working at HQ, talking to the media, bargaining, organizing meetings, working towards equity and accessibility, and/or just trying to keep up with the strike etc., the financial, physical and emotional impact of this strike is being felt by all members of CUPE 3903.
The efforts by all members are amazing and serve to ensure that we will get the best contract possible from the employer. Make sure, however, you are not neglecting yourself. Self-care during a strike situation is often put on the back burner. If you have 5 minutes take this self care assessment. Burnout is a HUGE factor in a long strike.
A Self Care Assessment
Do you drink six glasses of water a day?
Do you eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables every day?
Do you make time just for you?
Do you listen to your body?
Do you make time for exercise? (No walking the picket line does not count!!)
Do you release your emotions in a positive way?
Can you remember the last time you laughed until you cried?
Do you have beauty in your home or office?
Do you take time to enjoy nature?
Do you see a dentist twice a year?
Are you regularly touched and hugged?
Do you get 6-8 hours of sleep every night?
Do you get enough sunlight?
Do you get regular sexual fun?
Do you nurture your friendships?
Can you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
Can you ask for help when you need it?
Do you visit your doctor regularly for a complete physical?
Have you thought about your spiritual needs?
Do you accept yourself for who you are?
Obviously no one can do ALL of these things ALL the time, but if you feel you are neglecting yourself, your own needs, take some time for you. To ensure you can maintain a healthy involvement in this movement think about self-care. You can only do so much. Recognize your limits and the respect the limits of others.
This quiz has been adapted from The Empowerment Project- Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
The efforts by all members are amazing and serve to ensure that we will get the best contract possible from the employer. Make sure, however, you are not neglecting yourself. Self-care during a strike situation is often put on the back burner. If you have 5 minutes take this self care assessment. Burnout is a HUGE factor in a long strike.
A Self Care Assessment
Do you drink six glasses of water a day?
Do you eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables every day?
Do you make time just for you?
Do you listen to your body?
Do you make time for exercise? (No walking the picket line does not count!!)
Do you release your emotions in a positive way?
Can you remember the last time you laughed until you cried?
Do you have beauty in your home or office?
Do you take time to enjoy nature?
Do you see a dentist twice a year?
Are you regularly touched and hugged?
Do you get 6-8 hours of sleep every night?
Do you get enough sunlight?
Do you get regular sexual fun?
Do you nurture your friendships?
Can you forgive yourself when you make a mistake?
Can you ask for help when you need it?
Do you visit your doctor regularly for a complete physical?
Have you thought about your spiritual needs?
Do you accept yourself for who you are?
Obviously no one can do ALL of these things ALL the time, but if you feel you are neglecting yourself, your own needs, take some time for you. To ensure you can maintain a healthy involvement in this movement think about self-care. You can only do so much. Recognize your limits and the respect the limits of others.
This quiz has been adapted from The Empowerment Project- Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Our Confidentiality Promise
We promise to uphold a safe, confidential environment. All of our volunteers have signed a confidentiality agreement that prohibits any discussion of calls and emails outside of PSN approved safe and secure spaces. We do not have call display on our phone so your number will not come up. We do not take a record of your call. We do not keep a database of caller information. All emails are purged at the end of each week.
Please do hesitate to contact the PSN facilitators at 647-204-4034 or email us at peerorg3903@gmail.com with your concerns/comments.
Please do hesitate to contact the PSN facilitators at 647-204-4034 or email us at peerorg3903@gmail.com with your concerns/comments.
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