Wellness Watch
CODE-4
Coping with a supervisor you don't agree with, and working mandated overtime are realistic challenges of responder work. However, if you can understand what is in your control, and cope with what isn’t, these things become more manageable. Read more!
Grief is a natural, emotional response to loss, encompassing a range of feelings from deep sadness to anger. Understanding and managing grief, whether stemming from the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or other significant changes, impacts how we heal and move forward with grief. We outline normal symptoms of grief, emphasizing the importance of seeking additional help when needed, and offer practical strategies for healthy grieving.
Laughter and connection are great coping strategies when dealing with trauma, but let's talk about when it might be time to add a few more items to your coping tool shed.
Nutrition is the bedrock of overall health, supplying essential nutrients vital for daily functioning. It fuels physical activities, bolsters the immune system, and aids disease prevention, directly impacting mental well-being. Balanced and quality nutrition is paramount for maintaining optimal weight and preventing health issues. Recognizing this pivotal role is key to fostering a healthy lifestyle and promoting holistic well-being. Read more!
Valentines Day! Most people love it, or want to avoid it. Read more to learn about our tips for both couples and those who are single this Valentine's Day.
Adjusting to a new shift is a challenging dance with the body clock, disrupting sleep and causing fatigue. The emotional toll includes leaving routines, saying goodbye to colleagues, and navigating new relationships. Building camaraderie after a shift change involves pairing newcomers with experienced team members, staying open-minded, and fostering personal connections. Read more to learn more about surviving and navigating both day and night shifts.
Our holiday suggestion? Self-care and managing your holiday stress amid work demands! Learn more about ways we suggest taking care of yourself this holiday season, as well as our tips and tricks to avoiding family conflict.
Also, for parents on duty this holiday, we’ve got a solution for you! See the end of this article!
Shift work can strain relationships with irregular schedules and missed moments, which can cause disconnection and resentment. To counter these challenges, we have specific recommendations for both couples and individuals. With the strategies we discuss, couples can navigate the tumultuous shifts and nurture their connection despite the demands of irregular work hours. Read more!
Both burnout and compassion fatigue are common in the first responder population because of the nature of the work. It’s tough to dedicate your whole life to serving others! Let’s chat about what they both are, how to overcome them, and what signs to look out for in yourself and others who may be struggling with burnout or compassion fatigue. Read more!
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique designed to alleviate distress associated with traumatic memories. It involves guided lateral eye movements, auditory, or tactile stimulation to help individuals process and reframe traumatic experiences, facilitating healing and symptom relief. Read on to learn more about what makes EMDR treatment unique and hear from one of our very own clinicians!
Welcome to our Sleep Hygiene Newsletter!
We are Mel Hanover and Ciara Boyd, MS, two passionate Code-4 Counseling clinicians and sleep enthusiasts dedicated to helping you achieve the restful slumber while navigating first responder shift work.
Join us on this journey towards rejuvenating sleep and optimal well-being.
Retired Police Chief Nick Metz and His Wife Dr. Sara Metz – Creators of CODE-4 Counseling