NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021 - 8

continued

Mitigate Our Own Stress
TIC offers frameworks for how to name, process and approach our
experiences and reactions to mitigate secondary trauma risks. The use
of a trauma-informed lens and implementing debriefing practices can
inform and support decision-making. As we grow, we can show up
better for patients and their families.
Acknowledging that current challenges impact both our personal and
professional lives, it is essential to find ways to mitigate our own stress
in order to enhance resiliency and be able to provide care to patients.
Below are 5 self-soothing skills that are easy to incorporate even in a
busy workflow:
4-7-8 breathing: Research shows that exhaling longer than you inhale
calms the nervous system. Try this breath pattern. Breathe in for the
count of 4, hold at the top of the inhale to the count of 7, and exhale for
8. If these counts feel too long, adjust as needed. As you practice, your
ability to lengthen the hold and exhale will improve. Repeat the cycle at
least 3 or 4 times.
Waterfall: As you walk through a doorway, or enter a video conference,
imagine a waterfall running down from the doorway washing any
negative energy or tension off of you. This will allow you to release
stress throughout your day rather than allowing it to build.
H.A.L.T.: When our basic needs are not met, we are less likely to be our
best selves and are more susceptible to stress. When you find yourself
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired, then take steps as quickly as possible to
tend to those needs. Doing this consistently can help you stay more
present for yourself and others.
Shifting our thoughts: Find a phrase that you can use to self-soothe
when stress, frustration or despair are emerging. A few examples
include: " We are all flawed and limited, " " I am doing the best with the
resources, skills and knowledge available, " or " May I find ease, may I be
happy, may I suffer less. " Say the phrase on your inhale, and imagine
releasing the emotion from your body on the exhale. Repeat this 3-5
times. Pairing your phrase with intentional deep breathing can increase
the benefits.
5-S's: Find a space such as a break room, bathroom or hallway where
you can take the following 5 actions. Stop what you are doing, Stretch
arms toward the ceiling, Shake your entire body, Sigh with a large
exhale through the mouth, Smile and notice any shifts in how you feel.

8

Newsline / Spring 2021

Utilizing these skills, we begin to
embody and model the resilience
we seek for ourselves and
patients we serve. Doing these
things will not necessarily change
the situations we face or the
challenges in front of us. They will
not magically fix the source of our
stress. These skills will, however,
strengthen our resilience and help
us more skillfully navigate
whatever is in front of us.
For now, keep breathing, focus on
what you can change, accept the
things you cannot, and remember
you are not crazy, you are not
weak, and you are not alone.
Topics in this series from the
TIEOLC work group will include:
❱ H
 ow Hospice is different now
(in the midst of a pandemic)
❱ Measuring Success in a
Pandemic/Redefining Success
in a Pandemic -for leaders
❱ M
 easuring Success in a
Pandemic/Redefining Success in
a Pandemic -for frontline staff
❱ Moral Distress
❱ Working with and In Nursing
Facilities
❱ Racial Trauma of Staff
❱ Racial Inequity for patients
❱ Interpersonal Trauma (Sexual)
❱ Trauma of marginalization
for persons LGBTQ+-and
discrimination fears/realities
in LTC
❱ Pediatrics and Young
Adolescents
❱ Brain Failure/Cognitive
Impairment
❱ Health Disparities
❱ Staff Leadership Skills training
NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NHPCO NewsLine Spring 2021
