Caring for Yourself and Others
The Relational Care Ladder (Rundell) helps to remind us of what needs we must focus on first. The most basic need is for safety. The following is a brief overview.
Structure is crucial to helping students, families as well as all of us during this time . In our chaotic, sometimes out of control environment, structure offers safety. It gives purpose and predictability.
Nurture is the second step of the ladder. Being self-aware is key to nurturing ourselves. This means being still and listening to our mind and body. The simple act of clasping our hands together and truly feeling our own touch can be nurturing. This alone has been found to release the hormone oxytocin, which helps to reduce anxiety and increase feelings of well-being. Challenge each other to take out two minutes a few times a day for simple, deep breathing.
Engagement is the third step. Are we available and truly listening without feeling the need to solve problems? When on-line, there is the risk that all we want to talk about is the present challenge. A fun exercise to help turn that around is to find something meaningful in your space and to share it with those you are communicating with on line and have them do the same.
Challenge is the final step. Challenging ourselves and each other will result in feelings of empowerment. Challenges stimulate our forebrain and build esteem. However, the challenge has to be attainable as opposed to being overwhelming.
Lastly, mindfulness is more important now than ever. The following are great free resources to help all of us practice mindfulness:
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