Although I do not work out in the field, self-care and having a strong work/life balance is just as important to me. I juggle working part-time, school part-time, participating in various committees, CNIB Deafblind Community Services Ambassador, and running the consulting business. I wake up early every day, weather permitting, to get out for a walk before I start my day with my current guide dog, Parmesan, to Tim Hortons for my first cup of steeped tea. I play games on my iPad during my down time plus watching streamed shows during my lunch and dinner breaks. Bedtime entails social media check-ins, Youtube and podcast listening before falling asleep. My weekends are my downtimes especially spending it with friends or family. Balancing is an art.
I have learned the hard way, many years ago, what stress and depression can do to me. If I sleep well, eat semi-okay (I hate cooking for one person!), exercise / walk daily once or twice a day weather permitting, take my vitamins and look after myself when I am unwell or need a visit with my doctor. As a deafblind individual, I rely on devices to stay organized–Outlook 365, Alexa and my iPhone/iPad. If I didn’t have the organizational skills, I would be burnt out.
Fellow emergency mangement professionals working through wildfire and landslide responses–remember to take care of YOU!