As a valuable practice for youth workers, mindfulness can support in the management of stress that our work can manifest. An ability to remain present and increase effectiveness in our work with young people, mindfulness and self care provide access to improve emotional intelligence, enhanced responses and a healthier work/life balance. As a profession we carry much around from individuals, group and communities and it is important to be able to switch off from time to time and concentrate on self care.
Challenging thoughts can weigh heavier than positive thoughts and the scales sometimes need resetting or revising. Effective supervision and support structures may be valuable if the work is creating challenges.
1. Set aside a few minutes each day to be mindful, in a quiet space where you can sit comfortably and focus on your breathing. Notice the sensations in your body and any thoughts that come up, simply recognise that they are there and let them go.
2. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily routines by paying attention to your breathing and actively listen to your body as you walk, eat or engage in other activities.
3. Being present with young people and practising being actively engaged encourages us to be able to listen without judgement or influence and provides our full attention. Avoid multi-tasking and be in those important moments.
4. Take Breaks throughout the day to recharge and reset. Use this time to do a quick mindfulness check in.
5. Practice self-compassion, this is not about being perfect, but about being clear and focused in the moment and being kind to yourself. Of all the difficult or challenging things that occur during the working day/evening/weekend; take a moment to remember each of the positive contributions you have offered other people, from a smile to a compliment to support offered, these important acknowledgements provide the ‘reward’ we often talk about from our work with young people.
6. Acknowledging any stress or feeling overwhelmed and act to access support, breaks or time away. The ability to ask for support is a strength and not a weakness, reach out to friends, colleagues or line manager if work is creating impact for you.
7. Check in on others and be part of a supportive team culture that values and respect the contributions that colleagues bring. Validate positive aspect of the work, even the simple things.
8. Be safe, slow, careful and considerate of yourself. The amount we invest in others in youth work can sometimes be draining and it is important to be aware of how much emotional and physical energy we have and with plans to recharge and look after ourselves.
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