We know… this is the first time we address our users and readers in English. The occasion is very relevant. Our Mental Health Task Force is full of hope and restorative energy.
It is key to focus on us as a community and on the passion we all have for our craft. Journalism is art and labor.
We want you to be ok during these long and stressful workdays when you will put your energy, time, intelligence and might to inform the world of what is happening around you.
Now…in the words of colleagues, friends, let’s explore best practices and a few good tricks to keep it together. And if you need to let it all out we are here for you.
CONTACT US Whatsapp/Telegram/Signal +52155-8171-1117 or support@vita-activa.org
DONATE Your support will get us to provide support for as long as the journalists need it in the US. Use PayPal or Zelle: payments@prooftype.com
Thank you so much for your support and for the work you do everyday,
Vita Activa Team
For keeping cool after a crisis or a tumultuous work day
1- Plan ahead for anxious and stressful times. If you know already what happens when you are at 100%, try to anticipate before your tank is empty to prevent burnout and exhaustion. Take naps, reduce my social media consumption, avoid screen time binging, walk outside and eat good fresh foods.
2- Work mindfully. When there is an avalanche of text messages, breaking news and emergency, slow down, breathe and be confident. I know I am, I have been preparing for this moment my whole life…and I really love what I do. That really helps.
3- Cultivate resilience. Be present, Cultivate hope, Be compassionate, Laugh and Rest…and Breathe, breathe, breathe. I find it personally the easiest and yet the most difficult thing to do consciously.
Meditation audios
How am I- Self care fundamentals https://soundcloud.com/vita-activa/how-am-i-self-diagnosis
Solve – https://soundcloud.com/vita-activa/solve-golden-shining-light-meditation
Centering – https://soundcloud.com/vita-activa/guided-meditation-centering-vita-activa
Crisis management strategic tools
BE PRESENT. Rest, take a break. Stop and breathe
CULTIVATE HOPE. Energy and courage, What matters to you. Leave anger and resentment behind
BE COMPASSIONATE. Gratitude towards yourself and towards other people
DISTRACT YOURSELF. Laugh, it is medicine for your spirit
BREATHE . Just breathe, breathe, breathe
Try to identify the moment when you know your energy levels are low so that you can act before burnout happens.
More at Chris Littlefield’s, Beyondthankyou.com
Recommendations to journalists from other journalists
- Listen to your body, give it what it needs: food, movement, rest and creative work.
- Evaluate the effect stress has in your mind, recall previous experiences. Take your time and plan accordingly.
- Slow down, try not to overanalyze what is happening to you. Keep abreast of the goals you are trying to achieve at all times.
- Work mindfully. When there is an avalanche of text messages, breaking news and emergency, slow down, breathe and be confident. I know I am, I have been preparing for this moment my whole life…and I really love what I do. That really helps.
- Look at the ways people are reacting and learn from their reactions. If you need to establish limits, do that sooner than later.
- Think of the welfare and emotional well being of the people you work for and with, as well as those you interview and their loved ones. Your emotions and theirs are in sync.
- Tenderness and patience are essential. Try to accept what cannot be changed, have the courage to change what can be changed.
- Breathe to calm down or to re-energize yourself. Breath is what keeps us alive.
Make a mental health care plan, at Entitled!
During busy news cycles or moments of intense reporting, our teams look to us as barometers of how to respond, or for additional support. But you can’t take care of everyone if you’re not wearing your own oxygen mask. If you follow her on Instagram, you’ll have seen Stephanie Foo’s great tips on creating your mental health plan for this week. This one from Day 3 resonates: “Figure out what boundaries to set in order to give yourself space to process, rest, heal and plan for action.” Follow Stephanie for more”. (Contact Joanne Griffith Founder of Entitled! For Leaders of Color in Media at hello@entitledleaders.com)
We ARE stressed
The Skimm quotes that, “last month, the American Psychological Association found that 68% of adults surveyed say the 2020 election is a significant source of stress in their life – up from 52% in 2016. Across the board, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents are significantly stressed. And Black adults had an even greater increase in stress from the election, from 46% in 2016 to 71% in 2020. (See: Americans are stressed)
IF YOU OR PEOPLE YOU KNOW NEED SUPPORT CONTACT US
Whatsapp/Telegram/Signal +52155-8171-1117
Email us: support@vita-activa.org
DONATE
Your support will get us to provide support for as long as the journalists need it in the US. Use PayPal or Zelle: payments@prooftype.com
Send us an email if you are having trouble with either platform: support@vita-activa.org
Feel free to give it some traction online.
For Journalists in need: Is covering the current News Cycle, Racial Injustice and the Pandemic burning you out? #HELPLINE for women, POC & LGBT journalists. Whatsapp/Telegram/Signal +52155-8171-1117 or email at support@vita-activa.org *confidential-anonymous-free*