Nurturing Resilience, Month 5: Connect!

July is my birthday month, and as I embark on another journey around the sun and into new wisdom, it feels right to present to you the final entry in my tiny-habit miniseries.

I hope you have noticed a difference in your overall resilience or general outlook as you’ve been cultivating the small habits I’ve recommended so far: embracing the present, focusing on gratitude, small acts of kindness, and moving your body. Last but not least: building connections.

Connect with a Colleague

We’re human beings and we need contact with people. Some need more and some less, but we all need it.

Those who work in child welfare often find solace in the connections they build with colleagues who understand the unique challenges of the field. Foster these connections intentionally by incorporating into your routine brief check-ins with peers. Congratulate a coworker on a personal milestone they’ve been talking about, ask a colleague for their order if you are picking up coffee on your way in, or exchange a weekly work win on Fridays to head into the weekend knowing you accomplished something. (Isn’t it neat how these tiny habits can expand one another—building connection and small acts of kindness go hand in hand.) These micro interactions provide opportunities to share experiences, seek advice, strengthen your support network, and BE HUMAN.

If you’re looking for more tips on building connections at work, this article lists some ideas.

As social workers, we dedicate our lives to supporting others, but it is equally important to nurture our own well-being. By embracing tiny habits, we create a resilient foundation that not only enhances our ability to cope with stress but also fosters a positive and sustainable approach to our vital work. Drop me a line and let me know how it’s been going for you.