We’re In This Together! –Team Play: A Communication Toolkit
By Padma Gordon
Having a strong reliable team is paramount for a raregiver. Remember your rare family is in this together, to share a common vision and goals. The importance of forming a strong team includes everyone from your partner, children, healthcare professionals, friends and even neighbors and co-workers. Key elements that make a great team are collaboration, listening, validation and improving communication skills. It is vital to know what your needs are and your capacity from day to day so you can learn how to lean on your team and know when you need to delegate to your support system.
This is why the importance of slowing down and centering cannot be ignored as a raregiver. Taking time each day to create a routine of self care is a necessity to avoid burnout. This routine can be simple and might include a daily meditation practice, setting aside time to close down the eyes, take deep breaths, quiet the busy mind and feel what is most present in your body. Listen to the sound of your breath, notice what is happening in your body. Allow your shoulders to drop down and unclench your jaw, soften your face and breath deep into the belly.
Taking deep slow breaths can allow you a moment to reset and ask what is most important in that moment. Asking yourself what your needs are and then tending to yourself. Setting this boundary of time for you, will make all the difference in how you relate with your team. A daily check in to assess your needs and where you need support will help release stress buildup. The next step is lovingly asking for what you need. Making requests may not always come easy to you, and may be a skill that will take time and practice to feel more comfortable in. Be kind to yourself through this process and be sure to celebrate your successes and steps towards this daily self care practice.
Once you can name the situation or task you need assistance with, then you can find the person on your team that has the skill set to help. It is important not to get to the place of overwhelm before asking for help. It can be challenging to ask for help or to let go of tasks that you know no one can do the way that you would and help may not always look the way you want it to. Be gentle with yourself through this process of establishing your team and learning the skill of reaching out and delegating. Having a reliable team to support your self care is the basis for your family's health and well-being.
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