Self-Care for Caregivers & Helpers 

Why include it
Front-line supporters—parents, clergy, clinicians—face secondary traumatic stress that can lead to burnout and reduced empathy. Healthcare Toolbox

Quick tips box

1. Micro-break rule: 5 deep breaths + neck roll every 90 minutes.
2. 3-Point Boundary: decide what you can control, influence, or release.
3. Peer Debrief: schedule 15-minute weekly check-ins with another helper.
4. Digital sunset: 1-hour no-screen buffer before bed; reduce rumination.
5. Professional tune-up: quarterly therapist or supervisor session—even if you feel “fine.”

Downloadable

• Self-Care Checklist PDF (adapted from HealthcareToolbox.org). Healthcare Toolbox
• Secondary Traumatic Stress Quiz with scoring and resource links.

https://www.healthcaretoolbox.org/selfcare-tips-prevent-secondary-stress