Take Care of Yourself

Gordon Graham here with Today’s Tip from Lexipol. And Today’s tip deals with taking care of yourself.

I know it’s not in our nature to do this but if we are to help others we first have to take care of ourselves.

I have worked with some of the most professional men and women in law enforcement over my career. Their dedication to public service and work ethic is exemplary.   Men and women making great sacrifices to better the lives of others day in and day out.

I have seen my law enforcement friends work a night shift, get off in the morning, go directly to court for most of the day, take an hour nap and head back to work for another night shift. I have watched many dedicated investigators work 72 hours straight on an important case while occasionally taking a 15 minute nap on the floor in the station.  I have seen dedicated internal affairs investigators work tirelessly in an effort to uncover that single piece of evidence that will exonerate the falsely accused officer so the officer can finally get a good night’s sleep.

With all of this unselfishness, I wish I saw more officers being more selfish about taking care of themselves.  None of the things we’ve described here are healthy. I know it’s not in our nature to do this but if we are to help others we first have to take care of ourselves.  Get enough rest, eat properly, exercise, spend time with family, take a vacation or whatever it is that you like to do to relax.

Doing this will keep your mind healthy and refreshed so you can continue doing your best each and every day. This will help increase your chances of survival in a critical incident and help to reduce your stress level.

And that is Today’s Tip from Lexipol. Gordon Graham signing off. 

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