Self care for trainers and assessors
August is generally a quieter month for those who work in Education and Training which gives us a chance for a bit of rest and relaxation.
Here are a few ideas to help you get the most out of this time.
Have a holiday! I know that might sound a bit obvious but it can be a challenge, especially when you are self employed or running your own company, to be totally present when on holiday. It is all too easy to continue to monitor and reply to emails and messages instead of relaxing on the beach with a good book. Try turning off notifications on your phone and if things are really that important have an agreed hour each day for dealing with anything urgent. Have an agreement with those you are on holiday with and then they can help you to stick to it!
Book a spa day or an activity session - whatever you would enjoy or maybe push yourself to do something new or completely different to your normal day. This year I have been getting out on my new mountain bike and with each session I attempt a slightly more challenging route or section of the bike park. Check out my ‘concentrating’ face in the picture below as I clear the gap jump! It is good to get out of your comfort zone every now and again - that is where the real development happens.
3. Try mediation, yoga or forest bathing - for a truly relaxing session and to help you connect with nature an outdoor meditative experience can be totally amazing. The benefits of being in nature are now well known and extend to the improvement of both physical and mental health. Look online for practitioners running sessions near to you.
4. Read a book - this could be the latest ‘can’t put down’ thriller or romance novel, or maybe you are more into self development books, biographies or factual non-fiction. I love a good book and always make sure that I have a selection downloaded onto my Kindle tablet and also on Audible so that if I can’t read I can always listen. Audio books are great when travelling and I look forward to a long drive as it means I can really get stuck into a good listen.
5. This time could also be used to work on your business rather than in your business. Holiday time can also be used in a valuable way as a time to reflect on your goals and your plans for the next month, 6 months, year or even 10 years. Take some time to write down your thoughts and ideas and also explore what might hold you back, whether this is something physical or maybe mindset or limiting beliefs.
Any of the activities mentioned could be done alone or with others. Depending on whether your are an introvert or an extrovert you may need time alone or time with people to recharge your batteries. I am an introvert but find I need a bit of both - time alone and time with friends and family. Aim to return from your holiday refreshed and ready to hit the ground running. You should feel both relaxed and recovered but also ready to start implementing new plans and goals for the future.
Let me know in the comments below how you look after your own physical and mental health and get some down time from work and business.