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Today's Hours 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

City Park New Orleans

15 Henry Thomas Drive

New Orleans, LA 70124

504-523-1357

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Today's Hours 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

City Park New Orleans

15 Henry Thomas Drive

New Orleans, LA 70124

504-523-1357

Building Resilience: Self-Care for Caregivers

Self-Care for Caregivers

Remember the importance of caring for yourself, even in small ways. Self-care could be in the form of taking a warm bath or reading part of a book in peace. It could be practicing mindfulness for 10-15 minutes a day using this tutorial. Reach out for support and connection with your friends and family members. Text your best friend. Have phone calls or video calls with loved ones when you can. Watch a funny video on Youtube and laugh. Think of 10 small things you were grateful for today. Get outside, move, stretch, and feel the sun on your face, even if only for a few minutes. Try to get good sleep. Remember to eat and stay hydrated. Free apps like Insight Timer have guided meditations and relaxing visualizations.

Also be gentle with yourself, forgive yourself for mistakes you make, and remember that it is okay for you to aim for “good enough” rather than perfection. In fact, consider taking a few minutes at the end of the day to appreciate yourself for your efforts and all the amazing things that you’re doing for your family despite the stress you’re under! Replay the good moments that happened that day and savor them in your mind and heart.

If the stress of this is overwhelming, reach out to your community. Many support networks have developed during this time to serve you. Here are some examples. A full list of resources can be found on this website.

The City of New Orleans has partnered with Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies (IWES) to create #GetYaMindRight – a virtual support group which will be led by psychiatrist and trauma expert, Dr. Denese Shervington. Participants can learn how to understand and manage thoughts, feelings and fears during this pandemic.

Center for Hope Children and Family Services- Dr. Patrice Sentino at 504-241-6006 is offering free telehealth counseling services

Keeping Calm through COVID Hotline is open 24/7 at 1-866-310-7977 if you are feeling overwhelmed with stress, fear, and anxiety about the uncertainty surrounding COVID.

Note: Mental health is always important, but during times of crisis it is paramount. The following guidelines are designed to support you in finding ways to cope, understanding how to practice self-care, and nurturing your connection with your child. Building Resilience: Parenting During a Pandemic is a joint effort between Louisiana Children's Museum and Tulane Institute of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

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