Kelly and Michèle O’Donnell have been regular contributors to Brigada down through the years. We so enjoyed their Member Care Update last month, as they presented a plethora of tools and resources to help us all in “Staying the Course in Global Member Care” in the midst of pandemic times. There were so many great resources – and you can read the entire edition of their June conclusions for yourself at https://mailchi.mp/a9a21917d07b/resiliency-for-team-leaders-special-news-may-2018-member-care-updates-6440668. But just ONE of their resources alone is worth stopping by. They reference “A Self-Care Guide for Change-makers and Peacebuilders During Covid-19.” In it, Annalisa Jackson and Nicholas Sherwood, of the Mary Hoch Center for Reconciliation, share 21 best practices for staying emotionally healthy. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d0d32005d7640000177b27d/t/5e9ca44339f0f40fc872e522/1587323971950/Self-Care+Guide_Change-makers+and+Peacebuilders.pdf. Their list:

  1. Set aside time to exercise each day
  2. Drink water and maintain a healthy diet
  3. Stick to a regular sleep schedule
  4. Maintain your normal routine as much as possible
  5. Maintain regular connections with loved ones
  6. Create peer support groups
  7. Set aside time for mindfulness and gratitude [From Brigada’s perspective: We’re going to interpret this as “time to pray”]
  8. Schedule your intake of news
  9. Build new traditions and rituals for yourself and for your community
  10. Explore creative outlets
  11. Focus on immediate financial needs
  12. ive yourself time to grieve
  13. If you feel anxious, use strategies to feel calmer
  14. If you are experiencing severe stress or trauma, make arrangements to see a professional.
  15. If you have a history of suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts, see the Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s COVID-19 Guide.
  16. Have an open conversation about your household response and adaptations during COVID-19.
  17. Be honest about your needs and respectful of each other’s’ needs
  18. Anticipate increased conflicts during this time
  19. Notice if there are any major behavioral or emotional changes in one another.
  20. Recognize that gender inequalities will be compounded by COVID-19.
  21. Be aware of an increase in intimate partner violence during this time.

These would be awesome to share with your family and small group, especially if yours is a community that is sent BACK into lockdown after thinking you were done with the pandemic. (Thanks Kelly and Michèle!)

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