Can We Just Start Over Please?

Here we are, already at the end of January 2021. How did this month fly by this quickly? For those of us working in the emergency services, this month seems to have been an extension of 2020. We are still running our tail-ends off making our normal emergency calls and it feels like the COVID calls are stacking up on the dispatch lines. Will it ever end? I think we were all holding out hope for a reprieve in this new year. And it is not happening.

In the conversations that I am having with my friends who work in the emergency services or on the front lines, it seems like we are busier than ever. With the vaccinations rolling out, many of us are working overtime to help with vaccination distribution. We are also taking a lot of flack because these shots are hard to come by. “Please don’t shoot the messenger,” we beg when we are greeted by a frustrated citizen. But that doesn’t help calm an irate patient. Unfortunately, we have to keep on keeping on. While there may be a light at the end of the tunnel, we still have a long way to go before we are being bathed in that light. In order to continue to do the work and stay as healthy as possible, it’s crucial that you continue working at keeping your support system strong, your self-care a priority, and keeping your mental and spiritual health in check. If you are the loved-one of a first responder, it’s also vitally important that you follow this same regiment.

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In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Colossions 3:23

So, what are some of the ways that you can nurture resilience and keep yourself healthy as we head into the next 11 months? Here are some ideas:

1. Put boundaries in place that will facilitate opportunities for you to participate in enjoyable activities or allow you to practice your hobbies.

2. Consistently check-in and spend time with those that are in your support structure such as family, friends, and church/support groups.

3. Focus on rest. That is easier said than done in this field of work, but that doesn’t make needing rest any less important than the average citizen. In fact, those who work hectic schedules, lots of overtime, and in stressful jobs need to be even more dilegent about rest.

4. Learn new things. Take classes to learn a new skill, a new hobby, or to work on self-development. Learning new things actually helps build resilience. Check out sites such as www.masterclass.com, www.skillshare.com, and www.coursera.com.

5. Keep a check on your mental health. The All Clear Foundation has an extensive database of resources and information just for first responders and their families. Reboot Recovery is a wonderful resource for those who are battling PTSD and want to find a Christian support group to help deal with their trauma.

6. Routinely give yourself a spiritual tune-up. Faith Gateway is a great website to find devotionals, videos, and articles that will help build your faith. Also, the YouVersion app is a free Bible app that has hundreds of devotions, the Bible in many different versions, and the ability to take notes, highlight Bible verses, and make picture graphics with verses.

We are incredibly blessed to live in a day and age where we have a plethora of information and resources at our fingertips 24 hours a day. Even though we are still trudging through this difficult season, you can keep up with your self-care. You can work on keeping your foundation strong and healthy. It is possible to continue this work despite the difficulties.

Keep on keeping on!