May 1, 2020
Tammy Richard gets ready to lead her colleagues in a short meditation practice at the start of their daily Skype team meeting.
Story by Tracy Kennedy; Photo Supplied
RED DEER — A few minutes of daily meditation via Skype meeting is helping an Alberta Health Services (AHS) Addiction and Mental Health team better prepare for each day of caring for Albertans.
Since COVID-19 emerged in the province, a group of about 70 of Central Zone’s addiction counsellors, seniors outreach nurses, mental health therapists, administrative support, managers and health promotion facilitators start their workday with a ‘mindfulness sit’.
“Taking care of ourselves allows us to do better in our jobs and take care of others,” says Maribela Arruda-Block, program manager, Community Addiction and Mental Health. “During times of crisis, taking care of our mental health and wellness, grounding ourselves and managing our stress is critical.”
At the start of each morning meeting, staff are guided through a five- to 10-minute ‘sit’ to help ground themselves in the present moment. They are asked to feel the support of the chair beneath them, become aware of the environment around them, and pay attention to the sensations of their breath.
The mindfulness sits came about after Arruda-Block asked her team for ideas to support staff wellness.
Tammy Richard, an addiction prevention mental health promotion facilitator in Camrose — and a certified mindfulness instructor — answered the call.
“In these times of uncertainty and challenge, our body’s natural response is to be stressed or overwhelmed,” says Richard. “Breath can be an anchor for our attention, and can help reduce our muscle tension. By being more grounded, we’re going to be far more productive and present with the people we work with.”
Richard’s calming voice guides her colleagues to focus on the present instead of letting their minds race with worries of the future. The focused breathing and relaxation helps lower blood pressure and calm the mind.
At the end of each daily practice, staff are encouraged to share something of which they’re proud or grateful. Pets, family and the daily mindfulness exercise are frequent responses.
Richard says because people are physically distancing and feeling isolated from others while working at home, it’s particularly important for colleagues to share their contributions —and to feel seen and heard.
Arruda-Block knows that collective purpose and collaboration is key. “Our teamwork and connection will get us through this crisis,” she says.
Richard agrees that being part of a team, especially one that recognizes the importance of self-care, will help in weathering the storm.
“Just to know that we are all working together and connected in some way — that helps our mental health and well-being — to know we are part of something larger, we all belong and we are all making a difference,” she says.
