Thread by @KarlynPercil

Many #BIWOC & #BIPOC we're triggered by yesterday's report on #emotionaltax by @CatalystInc and my story in @TorontoStar - many reached out saying they felt heard and seen and some expressed disappointment that enough isn't being done esp when it comes to #workplacewellness

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar Here are a few tools from my tool kit. I know that when I reached out to my Organizations Employee Assistance Line - there's wasn't anyone equipped to deal with #emotionaltax.

Many didn't have the relevant training or awareness of what it means to "be on guard"

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar Or in some cases how layered or how our identity is tightly woven into the armour we wear on a daily basis.

Yes you do need to bring your whole self to work in order to thrive but many #POC can't and from personal experience #BIWOC are policed more than others.

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar Here are some #wellness #selfcare tips - feel free to take what resonates and leave the rest. Two tips that help reduce stress:

1. Drink water : stress tends to dehydrate - dehydration can negatively impact your mood, attention and overall productivity.

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar 2: Breathe - we tend to hold our breath when we're stressed
4 second in- hold for 4 seconds and release on 4. A breathing technique I learned from my husband who studied w @WimHof_Iceman

*Take (1-2-3-4) deep breath.
* Hold for 1-2-3-4 seconds
*Breathe out 1-2-3-4 ...

Repeat.

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman 3. Start small - sometimes acknowledging you are NOT ok is part of the wellness journey. You can track your water and breathing progress here.

Your well-being is personal - so continue to listen to your body. If anyone would like a PDF send email to [e-mail]

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman 4. Define what your Wellness Centre looks like.

The Bank's Employee Assistance Line had some tools that did help - but there were huge gaps that didn't acknowledge the #emotionaltax we pay.

Start here:
@CatalystInc @TorontoStar

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman 5. If you don't know where to start - here are some suggestions. I worked with Wellness Advocates @ChivonJohn @butilovememore and here are some #selfcare tips you can add to your #Wellnesskit (updated version coming soon.)

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman @ChivonJohn @butilovememore 6. Check-in with you daily.
What are you struggling with? What are some of the things you need to celebrate? When was the last time you had fun with your friends?

Not acknowledging your accomplishments can also contribute to feelings of helplessness.

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman @ChivonJohn @butilovememore Hope these prompts help! If you have a #Successplanner all these wellness prompts and suggestions are in there.

Start small.

One step at a time.

YOU are the one struggling and suffering with the impact of #emotionaltax - so take care of you while we change the workplace.

@CatalystInc @TorontoStar @WimHof_Iceman @ChivonJohn @butilovememore We are also sharing #wellnesstips over at @Amplifyher2020 's Instagram page.

bit.ly/2JQVqCs

#thursdaythoughts
#workplacewellness
#emotionaltax