Reduce Stress in Your Daily Life
Our devotion for our nannies goes beyond placing you in a job – we want to care for your well being and try to help you avoid burnout. We understand that your job can be quite stressful, and the world at large is full of stressful situations – from the pandemic to school shootings, to social pressures and comparisons, financial stress, health, family, etc. We want to support you holistically, and provide resources and coping mechanisms when things can feel overwhelming.
You’ve probably heard the term “mindfulness” – the practice of intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being fully engaged and aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. We believe that implementing mindfulness practices goes a long way in caring for your mental health, and we have put together some suggestions that you can use before and after you start your workday (and some you can even fit in during work!):
- Mindful Breathing: Taking a few moments to focus on your breath can help bring your attention to the present moment. You can observe the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body, feeling the rise and fall of your chest or the air passing through your nostrils. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
- Body Scan: This practice involves systematically scanning your body from head to toe, paying attention to any sensations or tensions you might notice. Start at the top of your head and slowly move down, observing each part of your body without judgment. This can help you become aware of any areas of tension or relaxation.
- Mindful Eating: Instead of rushing through a meal, take the time to eat mindfully. Pay attention to the colors, smells, and flavors of the food. Chew slowly and savor each bite, noticing the texture and taste. Engage your senses and be fully present with the experience of eating.
- Walking Meditation: This practice involves walking slowly and deliberately while maintaining awareness of each step. Feel the sensations of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your legs, and the shifting of your body weight. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you as you walk. This can be a lot of fun during walks with your nanny kids!
- Loving-Kindness Meditation: This practice involves cultivating feelings of compassion and kindness towards oneself and others. Begin by silently repeating phrases such as “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may I live with ease.” Then extend those wishes to others, starting with loved ones, acquaintances, and eventually even to people you may have difficulties with.
- Mindful Listening: Choose a sound, such as a bell or a piece of music, and focus your attention on listening to it with full presence. Notice the different tones, vibrations, and nuances of the sound without getting caught up in thoughts or judgments. This practice can help develop deep listening skills.
The goal is to cultivate a sense of presence, clarity, and compassion in your daily life. Look for additional installments of this topic, as we continue to support and encourage you to care for your overall well being.