We now return with our fourth and final segment of the Stress and Money mini-series, where Simone Riml continues to look at the concept of self-care and provide our readers with tips and tools to increase our resiliency.

Is retail therapy a good thing or bad thing?

‘Retail’ and ‘therapy’ probably shouldn’t go together. Often if people are engaging in this practice they are attempting to soothe by allowing themselves to feel good in the moment, only to have to deal with the looming additional credit issues and remorse that this practice brings. So if ‘retail therapy’ has become one of the unhealthy ways to deal with stress, we encourage people to connect with a counsellor to explore this more thoroughly and/or connect with a health coach to receive expert guidance. Healthy self-care practices to consider instead of ‘retail therapy’ may include: taking personal time to yourself for energy enhancing activities, taking a mini vacation from our never ending to do list, or simply relaxing.

One particularly powerful self-care practice is reaching out and spending time with people that energize, uplift and inspire you.  Biologically speaking, healthy social interaction may help stimulate the release of the hormone oxytocin – the hormone that has been known to reduce anxiety and fear in part by limiting the cortisol response to stress.  Consequently, taking a walk with a friend or co-worker helps to increase your ability to handle, bounce back and truly thrive with all that life throws at you, including daily stressors.

Do you have any final words of advice for our readers?

Self-care is our personal responsibility – akin to the airline analogy of putting the oxygen mask on yourself before you attempt to put it on your child, we too need to take care of ourselves both physically and mentally before we can begin to take care of others.  So, reaching out, asking for help when we need some support, having a laugh with co-workers, and taking some personal time for ourselves are all a part of self-care practices that will increase our own resiliency.

What are some good EFAP resources that VCH staff can take advantage off to ease financial stresses?

Start with a Financial Consultation by calling EFAP 604-872-4929 and/or attend a Financial Workshop for VCH employees. For Self-Care strategies call EFAP at 604-872-4929 to see how a Health Coach might help you.

Simone is responsible for developing and delivering integrated wellness programs to the Health Authorities, departments and the employees EFAP serves. Her expertise resides in health promotions, wellness programming and partnership development and has worked with some of BC’s leading employers to support employee health and well being. She brings extensive experience in Wellness to EFAP with an additional focus in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and its applications in the workplace.