Caring for Ourselves in Uncertain Times: A Self-Care Guide for EiE Professionals

The US government's recent stop-work orders and rollback and villainizing of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives are having far-reaching implications for our sector. The immediate impacts include the cessation of life-saving and life-affirming interventions for millions, including education opportunities for learners and educators in crisis-affected contexts. Additionally, funding cuts, layoffs, and a growing sense of job insecurity across the aid sector have added layers of stress to our already challenging work in education in emergencies (EiE). As we continue to support learners and teachers through crises, it's crucial that we also look after our own wellbeing. 

Drawing on the psychosocial support and social and emotional learning (PSS-SEL) principles that underpin EiE, here are some self-care strategies designed specifically for these turbulent times.

1. Embrace Connection and Community:

• Build Your Support Network: Just as we create safe spaces for those we serve, now is the time to lean on our own safe spaces and safe people. Regular check-ins, informal team debriefs, or in-person/virtual coffee breaks with friends and colleagues can help us share experiences and emotional burdens, reminding us that we are not alone in facing these challenges. For those who have lost their jobs, a friendly text or call check-in and some encouragement goes a long way.
• Engage in Collaborative Reflection: In these uncertain times, peer support groups or reflective supervision sessions become even more valuable than ever. Sharing our struggles and successes helps reinforce resilience and offers fresh perspectives on managing change. Let us have safe spaces for all to share. 

2. Practice Self-Awareness and Mindfulness

• Recognize Your Emotional Signals: Amid the uncertainty of funding cuts and job insecurity, it's essential to monitor your emotional state. Take a few moments daily to assess how you're feeling—acknowledge stress, anxiety, or fatigue without judgment. Take steps to intentionally manage these emotions and ask for help when overwhelmed.
• Integrate Mindful Breaks: Whether it’s deep breathing, a short meditation, or a quiet walk, incorporating mindful pauses throughout your day can help restore a sense of calm and clarity in the face of unpredictable circumstances.

3. Cultivate Emotional Regulation and Self-Compassion

• Apply The Techniques We Teach: In times of heightened stress, using the same emotional regulation techniques we advocate for learners and educators can be particularly beneficial. Remind yourself that it’s natural to feel overwhelmed and that self-compassion is not a luxury but a necessity. 
• Celebrate Small Victories: Even when larger goals seem out of reach, even when the future seems uncertain, recognizing and celebrating small daily accomplishments builds resilience and reminds you that progress, however incremental, matters.

4. Set Clear Boundaries

• Protect Your Time and Energy: With the pressures of job insecurity and increased workload, setting firm boundaries becomes even more critical. Clearly delineate work hours and personal time to avoid burnout.
• Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Remember that your capacity to support others is directly linked to how well you care for yourself. Schedule regular breaks, disconnect when needed, and ensure that rest is part of your routine—even if it feels counterintuitive during crisis times. You can only give that which you have!

5. Engage in Reflective Practice

• Reflect on Your Experiences: Use reflective journaling or conversations with trusted colleagues to process the impact of recent changes. This reflection not only sharpens your professional practice but also aids in personal growth, helping you adapt to the evolving landscape.
• Adapt and Learn: The current challenges may require us to reassess our self-care routines continually. Be open to exploring new strategies and adapting existing ones to better suit your changing needs.

6. Seek and Offer Support

• Ask for Help When Needed: In these uncertain times, reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness. Whether through professional counseling, supervision, or simply talking with a trusted peer, do not hesitate to seek help.
• Share Your Self-Care Practices: By discussing effective self-care strategies with others, we foster a culture of mutual support. Sharing resources, personal experiences, and coping strategies can empower our entire community to navigate these challenges more effectively.

By applying the same PSS-SEL principles of connection, mindfulness, self-compassion, boundary-setting, reflective practice, and support, we can build resilience not only for ourselves but also for the people we work with and the communities we serve. Taking care of ourselves during these times is essential to sustaining the strength and capacity needed to continue our vital work.

Stay resilient, take care of yourself, and remember: together, we can navigate these uncertain times.

For more information and guidance, we encourage you to reference the following: 

• INEE Guidance Note on Psychosocial Support
• WHO guideline on self-care interventions for health and well-being, 2022 revision 
• The ADAPT model: A conceptual framework for mental health and psychosocial programming in post-conflict settings, Derrick Silove
• Self-Care Strategies for Educators During the Coronavirus Crisis: Supporting Personal Social and Emotional Well-Being, Christina Pate
• INEE Minimum Standards for Education: Preparedness, Response, Recovery 
• Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC)

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Esther Mbau coordinates the work under PSS-SEL at INEE. She is passionate about mental health, empowerment, and growing others.