Initial findings from the the most recent AACRAO member survey, "Impact of 2020 Disruptions on Work and Career," reveal AACRAO members are more stressed than ever.
This revelation is not surprising. According to the American Psychological Association, Americans across the country are feeling the same. For example:
At this point, you’re probably drowning in the various versions of the CDC’s quick tips and helpful hints for coping with stress, such as:
Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Exercise on a regular basis. Get plenty of sleep. Give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.
Talk to others. Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.
Avoid drugs and alcohol. These may seem to help, but they can create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.
Take a break. If news events are causing your stress, take a break from listening or watching the news.
Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.
We know this. We encourage others to do this. But are we doing it ourselves? Of course not. We’re cooking, cleaning, and teaching while working. There is no time to talk or take a break. We recognize we need help but we’re too far in to explain how anyone can help while social distancing.
How do we practice self-care?
Your surge capacity, a collection of mental and physical adaptive systems that humans draw on for short-term survival in acutely stressful situations, such as natural disasters, is depleted. How do you refuel when applying short-term coping tools to a longer-than-expected-term pandemic?
You rely on community. Even the most introverted among us is gregarious by nature. Research demonstrates the clear link between social relationships and health.
Next month at AACRAO, the focus is on empowering you to lean on and access your community. Sign up for updates, including:
The Caucuses. Starting October 2020, Caucus members will gather virtually on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 3 PM ET. Caucus members, check your email in October for your invitation and registration information to this free, AACRAO community event.
The Collective. Starting October 2020, AACRAO members will gather virtually on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3PM ET. Active rosters members, check your email in Oct for your invitation and registration information to this free, AACRAO community event.
The Community. Starting in October 2020, all are invited to join a mental health webinar series dedicated to building community, setting boundaries at home and work, mindfulness, leading with compassion in a remote environment, and more.
This association is built on the dedication and commitment of its members. We cannot achieve our purpose if we do not care for the individual needs of our community members.