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Usually when we think about exercise and our health we think about doing something strenuous. It turns out that taking a walk in a forest or nature can have some amazingly positive effects on our biochemistry. The Japanese call it, “Forest Bathing,” and it has been studied all over the world with similar outcomes. Just…

As we emerge from the pandemic mental health issues will likely rise, rather than fall. Stories of increased suicide, burn-out, PTSD and “moral injury” are now being reported in the mainstream media. There are now even labels for the phenomenon we are going through.”Pandemic Trauma and Stress Experience'” (PTSE). Here are some things you can…

In America we seldom use all of our PTO, which reflects on our poor self-care. Part of being resilient is knowing when and how to care for ourselves. We can’t fully care for others until we take care of ourselves.

Our thoughts drive our feelings and behavior. Unfortunately, sometimes they can runaway from us. Here’s a good metaphor to get them back on track.

Collective Trauma means we ALL have been impacted by COVID-19. Here’s a real life example of what happened to a couple of families after 9/11. Notice that each did something about the collective trauma they had experienced.

The Subjective Unit of Distress Scale (SUDS) is a simple way to monitor your stress level. Here is a real life example of how it works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHoZTkNKyGg&t=187s

We’ve all been “touch deprived” and its impact has had immediate consequences, both mentally and physically. Part of the “collective trauma” of the past year has been a certain level anxiety, even as we engage with friends and family that have practiced safety guidelines and been vaccinated. The best remedy is to push throw it.…

We’ve all had that “first call” and all the training in the world doesn’t prepare us for its impact on us. Through that “crucible event” we learn the hard lessons of good self-care, perspective, and the value of close friendships.

Here’s something you can do today to reduce your isolation; call someone who haven’t reached out to in a while. It is a simple, practical and powerful exercise.

To be resilient we need to be open to different perspectives, so next weeks blog post will be from Mike Grill and some of his thoughts about resilience and COVID-19. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective after working in the fire/ems world for the past 35 years.