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Child Care Subsidy Provider Handbook 22 Self-Care Part of using best practices is knowing how to support your own health and wellness. As a provider, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of feeling stressed, overwhelmed, burned out or other health issues. Self-care is not selfish! Self-care strategies to take care of you: • Try stress-reducing techniques. » Practice deep breathing, gently stretch and relax your muscles or slowly drink a glass of water. • Prioritize your health. » Eat nutritious food, get quality sleep and stay physically active. • Notice and name your feelings. » Try to slow down and check in with yourself. Have you been short with others? Do you feel like yourself? All emotions are okay! » Notice what events or things cause you more stress. When you feel overwhelmed, identify a way to help you cope. » Pay attention to your inner voice and ask, “Would I say this to my best friend?” If the answer is no, give yourself some kindness, patience and understanding. • Do something you enjoy. » Examples include taking a bath, going for a walk, journaling or doing something else you find soothing. » Make time for yourself each day. Not everyone has 30 minutes at a time, so break it up if needed. • Set limits/boundaries. » Acknowledge what you can and cannot control. » Work on rebuilding/establishing a routine. It is helpful to focus on the parts of your day that you can control. » Say no if needed! It is okay to say no and limit feeling over committed. • Create a positive work environment. » Provide reflective supervision or opportunities for professional growth, such as reflective consultation, training on mindfulness, facilitating healthy communication or collaboration. » Ensure that you and staff have regular breaks throughout the year and have a clean and comfortable space for staff to relax and lounge. • Reach out to others. » Accept help when you need it. People who help others also experience benefits. TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Reflective practices have many benefits for your personal and professional well-being. In Nebraska, providers may participate in Facilitated Attuned Interactions (FAN) training. For details, visit: Reflective Practice FAN Training nebraskababies.com/ncrp/fan- training