
Self Care Plan/HEARTcare
Self Care Goal:
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Cultivate sustainable and empowered practices that promote health-conscious routines,
that facilitate self-regulation and self-care
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Work to create a work-life balance that benefits myself and my students


What does self-care mean to me?
Self-care means being able to find the time to do the small things that bring joy to your day. Taking care of yourself so you will be able to continue living life in a positive and fulfilling manner and lower the risk of burnout
Strategies to practice self-care:
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Try to get outside every day, even for small amounts of time
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Aim to get between 7-8 hours of sleep every night
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Packing lunches and snacks ahead of time so I have enough healthy food throughout the day.
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Drinking plenty of water
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Do a preferred activity daily
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Develop relationships with colleagues to be able to talk to them about day-to-day feelings.
How to Respond to Day-to-Day Stress and Anxiety:
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Talk to a trusted friend/family member/coworker
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Find a quiet place to gather thoughts
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Practice self-regulation techniques, ex. breathing exercises
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Engaged in mindful or hands-on activities
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Take a few minutes to be outside to take some deep breathes
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Read a favourite/new book
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Remove myself from the situation and return when I have calmed myself.

HEARTcare thoughts:
School:
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Ensuring effective use of breaks
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Prioritizing regular meals and staying hydrated
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Engaging in interactions with other adults throughout the day
System:
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Fostering community unity
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Creating a welcoming environment for all
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Ensuring everyone feels included in the school community
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Individual:
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Engaging in mindfulness and self-regulation practices
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Both for personal well-being and with students
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Utilizing mindfulness techniques that engage all five senses
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Professional:
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Prioritizing physical, mental, emotional, and financial health
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Identifying appropriate professionals for support
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Addressing all dimensions of life to enhance overall well-being
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Educational Worker:
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Possessing expertise in learning disorders, mental health first aid, and Autism Spectrum Disorder
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Comprehensive knowledge in these areas contributes to overall professional and personal well-being.
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Implementing Trauma-Informed Practice
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Supporting individuals effectively fosters a deeper connection between the workers and those they serve
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Knowing how to respond effectively in such situations and practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining overall safety and well-being for the worker.
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Resources Available:
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Within the School District:
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Worker Health Benefits
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includes counselling services, massage and other health services
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Within the Community:
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NWT Mental Health Services Contact, including online resource links:
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