What is a 'Boo'?

 I remember the exact moment I was introduced to Team Boo.  We were in the middle of a pandemic – these guys were the team brought in for support.  I wondered who this specialist elite team were. I remember thinking what was a ‘Boo’?  All I knew was we needed support.  So, I invited them up to the unit I was working on, to explain who they were and what they did.  They were good I’ll give you that – introductions were made and I knew, right, if someone is struggling – call Team Boo.  From the get go we got constant messages of wellbeing and support, positivity and praise.  You could forget easily that they had not always been a part of our Trust.  Little purple pockets of positivity, gifts and messages sprouted through the spring/summer of 2020 like bulbs did.  They helped keep us going.

One day I was told to seek out the Boo’s for support for myself and so I did… 

I didn’t want to though. 

Although I like the Boo’s – I thought why would I benefit from them?  I’d previously seen the staff councillor and I already had a coach at work – I thought I was already doing everything and knew everything that could help me, so I didn’t need them.  I could happily refer staff but I didn’t need to bother them.

How wrong I was.

So I had been told to make contact.  So I did.  Here I met Helen…. she was kind.  She listened to my worries and problems.  At the end of it all she said to make a wall/poster/document of all the kind things people have said about me (thank you cards from family’s, patients, students, staff) and if you ever doubt yourself - look at that.  It is easy to get lost in negativity or focus on the bad, this is the way our brains are programmed.  Gratitude takes practice.  Take stock and note everyday of things that went well, things you are grateful for.  Remember the good.  An important lesson.

I liked Helen, I liked how she listened and made me feel. I was glad I’d spoken with the Boo’s.

I signed up to some of Team Boo’s webinars.  This is where I really learnt my greatest lesson.

‘Self-care is not selfish’

Every time I think this, I imagine Becky with a massive microphone shouting this message whist driving in a purple convertible with her mad curls everywhere.  Leading a revolution, with all Team Boo beside her.

‘Self-care is not selfish’ 

I think over the webinars this message was so repeated.  It’s a simple message.  One that we all know already, right?  But do we ever really practice it.  Maybe it’s a healthcare profession thing – we are good at looking after others but not so good at looking after ourselves.  Slowly, slowly, I gave myself permission to recharge in little ‘micro renewals’. I did these things anyway but I would always feel guilty about it so actually I wouldn’t be resting, I’d be worrying.  I would be thinking ‘I should be answering emails, being a better mum, spending more time with my husband, cooking, cleaning’  the list is endless.  Guess what? Now I really do just enjoy a bath, a walk, a cup of tea.  Sometimes it’s the most obvious things that need changing.  When you do it’s like, that’s so simple, and why didn’t I do that before.  I will permit myself this act of self-care and I will enjoy it.  It will fill my cup and that will allow me to be a better parent, partner, professional.

The webinars also taught and reinforced ways to support staff.  The ‘life tree’ is still laminated and hanging in the office.  Brought out for huddles or if someone needs.  Part of making wellbeing an everyday conversation.  It’s not everyone’s cup of tea but it has made a difference to some, it’s opened up conversation that should stay open.

Amy from Team Boo says ‘words are a powerful source of magic’.  So I’m going to end this blog with some words and lessons that Team Boo have taught me –

*Emotions are like traffic lights – try to stay on green – if you feel yourself getting to amber – pause – rest – restore – try to get back to green.  Like your bank balance, try not to get into the red.

*Micro renewals can restore rest

*Focus on your strengths

*You are allowed to help yourself before you help others

*Take a complement

*Do what fills you with joy

 

Thank you to everyone at Team Boo for all that you do and have a great weekend everyone!