EHP FYI
Newsletter from Employee Health Promotions
December Edition 2020
Invitation to take time for yourself
This article was taken from the The Leader - the monthly newsletter from the Minnesota School Board Association on November 18, 2020
“Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead area. Please place the mask over your own mouth and nose before assisting others.”
Many of us have heard this routine announcement while flying. The oxygen mask as self-care analogy is not new, but in the middle of a pandemic that has taken the lives of nearly 3,000 Minnesotans, the message has become especially resonant for us all.
We want to acknowledge and validate the gravity of the load you are carrying and holding for so many others. We hear it in your voices, and when we connect virtually, we can see it on your faces. We know the countless emails, phone calls, and texts from families, educators, community members, and especially the students, are weighing heavily on your minds and in your hearts.
Please know that we see you and we hear you. We also want to tell you how much we care for you and how much we appreciate you. It is in that spirit we offer a gentle and humble invitation to please, as best as you can, take as good of care of yourself as you are of others. Though self-care might seem like an indulgent act when there is so much vying for our attention, the collective investment in ourselves will help ensure we can continue to bring our fullest selves to the efforts of serving our students and our school communities.
There is no greater resource in our schools than our human resources, and that includes you. We know the endless demands can easily fill all 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week. To the best of your ability, please prioritize your own self-care and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Included below this article are some resources and strategies as we all try to support each other in these challenging times. Please know that your MSBA staff is only a phone call away to listen and offer any support we can.
In deep gratitude for all that you do, Your MSBA Board Development Team
Self-Care Strategies for Educators During the Coronavirus Crisis by Christina Pate, Ph.D. Dr. Pate is Deputy Director of the U.S. Department of Education’s Center to Improve Social & Emotional Learning and School Safety.
6 Self-Care Steps During a Pandemic by Monique Tello, MD, MPH. Dr. Monique Tello is a practicing physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, and clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School.
By Katie Klanderud, Paula O’Loughlin and Jackie Fahey MSBA Board Development Team
Your Employee Assistance Program FREE Service to Consider
MAPS Wellness Resources
MAPS Employee Virtual Workouts and Wellness Wednesday Videos - YouTube catalog of workouts and tips for wellness hosted by Tia Dupont, Recreation Specialist for MAPS, who possesses a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Exercise Science and a Master of Science degree in Exercise Physiology.
Congratulations!
November Gratitude Partnership with Mayo Clinic Health System also had high participation. MAPS employees were encouraged to participate in a month-long calendar of activities to boost physical, mental and collective health. A steps and minutes of exercise challenge gave folks an additional opportunity to get moving. Prizes will be randomly awarded and delivered to employees when MAPS returns to hybrid or in person learning environments. Additionally, a Site Representative Challenge was launched and those who were able to record 20% site participation in the November activities will receive special recognition in January.