“The Trifecta of Three Dimensional Care” was the title of the session by Carrol Warren, Michelle Bartlett, and Angie Smith from NC State University. The focus was on self-care for online education to better support students. The objectives were to determine the importance of self-care, identify strategies to care for colleagues and to develop a plan for caring for online learners. Warren shared a quote from the Dalai Lama about how personal care is critical. Warren shared references for self-care and avoiding burnout: space to find why you enjoy the work. To combat fatigue, Warren explained that setting boundaries, learning to say no, and making a list that includes self-care are helpful. Some strategies mentioned were guided reflection with prompts, reaching out to colleagues for support, and seeking resources. Warren spoke about the sessions our institution provided support with Mindful Mondays. Bartlett identified strategies to care for colleagues by brightening their day, affirming support, and emphasizing their value. Bartlett shared about leaning on colleagues and teaming up. I liked how they spoke about nominating a colleague for an award and giving public thanks. Smith spoke about developing a plan for caring for online learners. They talked about replacing judgment with kindness, increasing common humanity, reframing, and bringing mindfulness into practice. Smith shared the “Wellness Wheel” as a way to think about our own wellness. They offered an opportunity to engage by sharing the link go.ncsu.edu/lillycares for audience members to participate. The activity was a way to share ideas for self-care, offer support for colleagues, and for offering care to students. I am curious to learn what others have shared.
