Work conditions for relief workers in post-disaster or conflict settings are often gruelling and challenging. Consequently, you may be experiencing cumulative stress, burnout or so-called “compassion fatigue”, which all describe the physical and emotional exhaustion of people who work in any helping profession, but especially aid workers dealing with emergencies in the humanitarian field.
It is almost impossible for any individual to face the magnitude of such a tragedy without being emotionally and physically impacted. This includes the helpers, who need to understand at some point they will not be good at their job if they themselves become victims.
So one needs to care for oneself, and in an emergency context, more than any other people. For example, eating properly and regularly, and getting enough sleep are amongst the most important coping tools you have at hand.
Also, feel free to use our 10 minute relaxation exercise to help you unwind. You may use it, as well, as a way to put yourself asleep.
So give yourself a few minutes and enjoy!
Feel free to download this audio file. There is no copyright to it.
To download this exercise please click on CPH_Relax.
