Participants will identify ways that unpredictable and persistent challenges to routines and schedules may be contributing to higher levels of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion and lead to a sense of being ‘out of balance.’  They will explore how to bring ‘out of the box’ thinking into the process of identifying simple strategies for finding greater balance in life.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore strategies for increasing energy, focus, and satisfaction in life by discovering (or rediscovering) their Core Values and Core Needs.  Intentional decision making will also be explored as a strategy for creating a more fulfilling and engaged life.

Participants will explore the connection between how worry creates a feeling of anxiety in the body and how to begin to shift negative thinking patterns through mindful attention and intention.  They will also practice various centering and breathing exercises to deepen their awareness of how to create a sense of calm and peacefulness in their body, mind and heart.  No prior experience in mindfulness practice is required.

Since March 2020, the COVID pandemic has created an unprecedented crisis that is negatively affecting care providers in significant and ongoing ways. This has created a ‘chronic crisis’ phenomenon that has included isolation and disconnection from others while contributing to feelings of deep exhaustion, anxiety, frustration, grief, and loss.  In this session, participants explore a new perspective on ‘self-care’ that includes holistic practices designed to increase energy and support mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing.

Whether you are working from home, back in the office, or following some kind of hybrid schedule – it may be different from how you were working pre-pandemic.  The differences we are experiencing now, along with the uncertainty of what’s to come, can create challenging thoughts, feelings, and circumstances.  Join this session as we explore how to continue moving forward, even in the face of uncertainty.  We will discuss ways we can see opportunity amidst all the challenges and will discuss specific strategies to support ourselves, our staff, and our leaders while navigating these uncertain times.

Participants will explore ways to practice self-care during times of change and learn strategies for creating habits of resilience.  Building mental and emotional reserves of energy to utilize during times of transition will also be discussed.

Participants in this session will learn to identify the signs/symptoms of Compassion Fatigue and Vicarious Trauma and will assess how they may be impacted by the nature of the care they provide.  They will utilize a Caregiver Wellbeing Assessment to identify holistic practices for self-care and long-term resilience.

Participants will be invited to deepen their connection to themselves and others in this highly interactive and reflective session. They will be given an opportunity to assess levels of satisfaction across various aspects of life and identify specific strategies for addressing areas that are challenging. Finally, they will explore the meaning of hope and how it may apply in their current situation using a sensory visualization process and creating a specific plan for change.

Participants will explore how feelings of loss and grief are understandable emotional responses to the Coronavirus pandemic, as well as other difficult life events.  The group will discuss how increasing one’s sense of empathy and compassion can provide important balance during uncertain times.

Participants will examine the role of staff care within their organizations and teams, beginning with a focus on self-care and an examination of their own core values. They will then explore the ways that ‘staff-care’ supports healthy and effective teams and identify ways to assess how the team prioritizes ‘self/staff care’.  Finally, they will brainstorm strategies for incorporating this important element into the culture of their organization as well as their teams.