First Year Apprentice/Trainee
Module 06: What’s self-care?
Self-care has become a pop culture craze, but it’s more than green tea and face masks. Learning how to look after yourself well holds a key piece in maintaining overall mental, physical, and psychological wellbeing.
What does self-care look like for you? With many WA Trades being in extreme working climates or even, living FIFO life, self-care might look a little different. However, it is still a crucial part of your toolkit to sustain you through your apprenticeship and beyond.
Here are some key tips for looking after yourself. And of course, be sure to sunscreen up, cover up and get your skin checked regularly!
Working in the cold? Here are some key pointers. Ensure your clothing is warm and waterproof to avoid getting sick and allow time to acclimatise to the new environment when arriving.
Most large companies will have free and confidential counselling service which are available to you and your immediate family for support. If not, look after your mental health by getting yourself set up with a mental health care plan at your local bulk billing GP. Just be sure to request a longer appointment for this type of appointment.
Set clear boundaries with yourself and others in your times of rest such as weekends or R&R time. If you need to, get a mate to be an ‘accountability buddy’ in helping each other stick to your commitments to yourself. Whether that is a break from social media, an exercise goal, or committing to disconnect from your work phone on your off-time. This will help you be more rested and present in the zone for work.
Factor in time for relationships and connection, as well as time to do things for yourself like a grocery shop, exercise, a massage, or even a haircut. Creating rituals and routines that maintain the balance between you and your work will help you sustain your energy and commitment to your apprenticeship and career at large.
Listen to your favourite song, read, take a brisk walk outdoors. The small moments do add up in the bigger picture. What is one thing each day you could do to recharge?
“Being able to be your true self is one of the strongest components of good mental health.” – Lauren Fogel Mersy, Psychologist
Work FIFO? Have you heard of FIFO focus or This FIFO Life? These are specialist counselling services and resources for those who work away from home: Counselling – FIFO Focus and About This Fifo Life.
In the meantime, don’t forget our team are always here to support you. Just contact us on 1300 363 831 or email [email protected].
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