A Nanny Match Blog

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental wellness is imperative, especially for those working in the health and childcare industries, where their jobs depend on successfully caring for others. 

Being a childcare provider can be a stressful job. You are responsible for everything for the child, including keeping them safe at all times, happy, and healthy while managing different schedules, activities, meals, allergies, and more. 

A recent study done by Yale reported that 46% of childcare providers screened positive for potentially diagnosable levels of major depression two to three months into the pandemic, with 67% reporting moderate to high stress. 

You can practice more mindful overall wellness with valuable tips and tools.

Here are 4 Wellness Tips for Nannies:

1. Maintain a life outside of your job 

Leave work at the door. The benefits on your personal life and overall wellness will likely improve your professional performance. 

Set boundaries with responding to after-hours calls and texts from employers.

Make sure to spend time with loved ones. Connecting with friends, meeting new people, and planning an outing can help you reconnect with others and yourself and help you find the work-life balance you’re seeking.

2. Self-care Activities

Many self-care activities are free to try. Some cost-free activity ideas include:

• Reading 
• Taking a walk in nature
• Painting, drawing, art
• Meditation
• Listening to music or practicing an instrument
• Unplugging from social media
• Sleeping in on days off
• Going to bed early 
• Socializing with friends and family 

3. Build your nanny community 

Being a nanny can be an isolating job. No one can better understand your thoughts and feelings about work than your fellow nannies. By building a supportive community, you can count on one another to listen, motivate, and be there for each other. 

There are countless resources to help you connect with other nannies and childcare professionals, including the U.S. Nanny Association, International Nanny Association, and Facebook groups dedicated to local nannies in your area.

4. Discover the right way to de-stress

There are many low-cost and practical ways that one can de-stress. Take time to discover what works best for you. 

By researching and exploring new things, you’ll likely find new activities that you will enjoy and help you de-stress after a long day or week of work. 

Whether practicing these 7 tips on how to help nannies de-stress or any of the self-care activities you enjoy most, it’s crucial to prioritize your overall wellness. 

We know how hard incredible nannies work, and we’re so grateful for you and all you do! 

If you are experiencing signs of depression, please do not hesitate to call toll-free 1-(800)-662-HELP (4357) or visit MentalHealth.gov.