Facilitating communication over virtual platforms is a major adjustment from our normal experience. However, by leveraging technology correctly, we can still obtain valuable non-verbal communication. Additionally, Lisa details how when set up correctly, we can center and stay connected to ourselves, and fill the role of the external regulator, which will have a positive impact on those around us.

While much of the attention is on the interpreter in the work environment, stress and anxiety also extends to the home and family. Lisa Dion tackles this space by discussing the regulation of families and how our own emotions may impact our families.

How am I right now? What do I need right now to be prepared for this assignment? Showing up to an assignment with all of our activation means that we are not regulated enough to handle another layer of stress. Lisa outlines the importance of checking in with ourselves and tips to help us avoid shutting down, going numb, and experiencing vicarious trauma.

As the pandemic continues its presence in our lives, how do we discuss the coronavirus and relay the changes in our lives to our children? Lisa Dion converses about various scenarios that children may ask about, ways they may read our responses and how we can ensure that we, as parents, are keeping our children informed without causing panic.

When surrounded by people experiencing activation and stress, it is important to look internally and ground ourselves first. Lisa discusses how we can impact others through our own self-regulation.

Am I going to get sick? Will I get sick while interpreting? The truth is, no one knows. By planning for the worst-case scenario, taking precautions, and managing the waves of anxiety, we can regulate the fear we are feeling.

In this video, Lisa shares 5 methods we can use daily to proactively regulate and center ourselves when we are feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Throughout our day, we experience different levels of activation as we face challenges. To avoid setting ourselves up for vicarious trauma, we need to regulate. Regulation increase our capacity to handle these challenges and reconnect. In this video, Lisa reviews what is regulation and how we can use it when we begin to feel disconnected with ourselves.

Our bodies are designed to react to our perceptions of threats, fears, and challenges. This is normal! These reactions can manifest themselves through anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, and going numb. There is no wrong reaction. Lisa invites us to pause and check in with ourselves to regulate through the activation of our nervous system.

Interpreters today are facing feelings of stress and anxiety internally and externally more than ever before. The key to self-care is to be honest and real with ourselves! Lisa and Mila share tips for staying connected to yourself while interpreting. Acknowledging our internal states and engaging in activities to stay connected to ourselves are just as important to our well-being as social distancing and eating well during stressful periods.