Texas Children’s Well-Being team has launched a new series of Virtual Self-Care Sessions to help our team members focus on their own well-being, and better manage the stress that health care workers around the world are feeling during this pandemic.
Click here in to begin watching the series of short videos that explore five different self-care topics: mindfulness, deep breathing, stretching, progressive muscle relaxation and unwinding before bed. Facilitators also help viewers experience the effects of each practice by taking them through guided exercises that can be done practically anywhere, at any time.
In the Mindfulness Guided Meditation sessions, Employee Assistance Program Specialist Pilar Valenzuela Silva explains how mindfulness is the practice of actually being present in the moment – which in turn trains us to become more mindful throughout the day – and takes you through a guided meditation.
Mindfulness Guided Meditation – Part 1: https://youtu.be/Kc1bgwtl_PI
Mindfulness Guided Meditation – Part 2: https://youtu.be/ieMTWbjG-K8
Silva returns for the Deep Breathing sessions, which explain how breathing from the belly instead of the chest can induce relaxation. You’ll also have the opportunity to try out the proper deep breathing technique.
Deep Breathing – Part 1: https://youtu.be/KA0RtzmuRlM
Deep Breathing – Part 2: https://youtu.be/vhHZ97_diJ4
Relax your muscles and increase your blood flow in the Stretching sessions, where Health Coach Jackie Pacheco speaks about how stretching loosens tight muscles and leads you through some simple exercises.
Stretching – Part 1: https://youtu.be/dwchISuKIxQ
Stretching – Part 2: https://youtu.be/_rtdkEQUII4
Registered dietitian and Cigna On-Site Health Coach Staci Tobolowsky Astrein leads the Progressive Muscle Relaxation sessions, demonstrating how the practice can be used to tame stress and increase awareness of the sensations associated with tension.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Part 1: https://youtu.be/-S00SRQZA_A
Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Part 2: https://youtu.be/ZcLXywCEBbM
Astrein also leads the Unwinding before Bed sessions, which discuss how being mindful before bedtime can boost the quality of your sleep and help you sleep longer – while also relieving stresses during the day, and helping you fall asleep faster.
Unwinding Before Bed – Part 1: https://youtu.be/7cOZYa5LzSw
Unwinding Before Bed – Part 2: https://youtu.be/80ZF-AqlDAE
The pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us. We want you to know that you are not alone and that if you find yourself feeling stressed about the situation, there are resourses available that can help support your mental, physical and spiritual needs. If you have any questions, please contact the Well-Being Team at wellbeing@texaschildrens.org.