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In this moment we are reflecting on our communities and what it means to take care of each other. You may have learned active bystander skills through the lens of sexual violence prevention and now you are realizing that you can choose to use these same skills to fight against racism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression.
On-the-clock or off-the-clock there will be times that you use your active bystander skills and you feel appreciated – like you’ve really done something good. But there will also be times when you interrupt or call out behavior and people get defensive, they get mad, or they simply don’t want your help. These moments can leave us feeling uncertain, frustrated, and like we’ve done something wrong.
If we don’t take the time to care for ourselves then the times things didn’t go right become obstacles that keep us from helping in the future. The SAFE Bar Network has 6 simple self-care tips for a healthier, more confident you.
1. Be present.
Focus on the moment you are in. Take a minute to look around you and make note of what you see. Try narrating what you are doing. Make a point to slow down and focus on one task.
2. Connect.
Take a second to share a smile with someone. Set aside a minute to give someone a compliment. Get curious and ask a question. Take a few minutes to share a challenge with someone and seek their support.
3. Use humor.
Humor is a powerful stress buster. Share a laugh with someone. Tell a joke, laugh at yourself, or try to find the humor in something routine (a poorly timed call from your parents, your pet needing out at the worst time).
4. Empathy.
Take a minute to understand the people around you. Be curious about what motivates them and give them the benefit of the doubt. Then, look in the mirror, and do the same for yourself.
5. It’s not personal.
We’re all on our own journey. It’s often true that someone’s reaction to you tells you more about them than it does about you. Shake it off. Do something nice for yourself.
6. Sleep, eat, exercise.
Take care of your body by prioritizing sleeping, eating foods that make you feel good, and moving your body in the ways you enjoy. Need sleep tips? Check out this infographic.
Our partners over at MOCSA have a great Self-Care Page with links to apps, articles, books, social media, podcasts, and more.
If you have a favorite bar, restaurant, or night club encourage them to join the SAFE Bar Network. They can learn more at www.safebarnetwork.org
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault our partners can help. Visit MOCSA and RAINN
Interested in learning more about bystander intervention? Visit our friends at With Us Center for Bystander Intervention.
To learn more about the field of sexual violence response and prevention visit PreventConnect and NSVRC.