Welcome to our COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support blog. We’re calling it Bouncing Back because each post will give you tips about how to build your own resilience during this pandemic. We all have times when we feel like we’re at our limit—with residents, co-workers, families or in our personal lives—and it’s helpful to have some “go-to” practices that will help you bounce back from these moments.
I am Alyson VanAhn, PhD and I work on the Geriatric Team at Associated Clinic of Psychology. I also lead the LeadingAge MN Foundation project providing the COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line. It is my pleasure to provide tips and supportive options to help you get through and continue “bouncing back.” I work with frontline, behind the scenes and leadership staff in many senior care buildings and am humbled by the sacrifices and triumphs made every day thanks to you all despite this pandemic!
SUPPORT OPTIONS:
COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line: This free service is open to any senior care staff, management or administrators to schedule a 20-minute coaching call. A trained coach on our clinical team will will listen to your concerns and help you create a coping roadmap for stress relief. You can call or email the COVID-19 Staff Coping & Support Line with times that you’re available to have a brief support call (612-445-8656 or email covidsupport@acp-mn.com). We will return your call promptly to schedule at a time that works for you.
Blog Tips: The Pause-Find-Practice approach to stress relief planning will be a key feature this blog on coping with COVID-19 stressors. You can use this tool to learn about your own reactions to stress and what works to help you manage it.
TODAY’S BOUNCING BACK TIP:
Take a moment to pause: Before you start your next task, just take a few seconds to transition…with a deep breath, a practice smile (even if you don’t feel like it) or a stretch before you start your next task.
We’re all learning new things during this time of COVID-19 and I’m excited to have this blog to share what I’m learning with you. If you have suggestions or topics that you’d like me to cover, please email me at covidsupport@acp-mn.com.