With the fast pace of life these days, many of us can feel overwhelmed and under pressure. Studies show that stress can negatively affect our decision-making skills, creativity, as well as our ability to work well with others. The current worldwide pandemic has further catapulted many individuals, teams and organisations into much higher levels of stress, overwhelm and anxiety, than even this fast paced environment of working with others is used to. It is more critical than ever now that those working in early years childcare, social care, disability, social welfare, education, medical care, pastoral, community development, policing, emergency services, and eldercare settings are supported to develop strong self-regulation, and resilience skills.
By learning evidence-based mindfulness practices individuals, teams and whole organisations working in the area of human care will know how to respond more wisely rather than reacting to stressful situations. They will know how to remain strong and grounded, while also having clear boundaries and a commitment to self-care.
My professional background is in human care work where I have many years of experience working initially as a front-line worker, then team leader and manager, and later as an external consultant across a wide range of human care organisations. In fact, my initial explorations in mindfulness began with my coming close to burnout myself as a result of my commitment to and passion for this human care work. So I have been there.