SEAHO Report - Fall 2019 - 15

SEAHO Feature Articles

while with you, or keep pushing through until you are ready to meet them after relaxing and/or stretching your
muscles. These breaks will keep you from feeling miserable and having unnecessary pain at the end of the day, if
you take them and use them wisely.

The elevator will bless you if you let it - During my final trimester, I frequented the elevator, avoiding the stairs as
much as possible because I knew I had five or more floors to tackle during health and safety inspections. I was in
my third trimester, y'all, so I did not apologize for it, because it was a mindful move that enabled me to accomplish
plenty without burning out.
Now I do understand and respect individuals who have not had favorable experiences with elevators. I also
understand that not every residence hall is outfitted with these options, so make sure to address this reality with
those who support you to modify a game plan in which you can still be successful and physically well during this
season.
Celebrate your successes! - Every floor you make it through, make it a great time! If you have a step counter, get
excited at how many steps you rack up. Consider counting the rooms with and without violations on each floor. If
the rooms without violations outweigh the rooms with, that is an immediate cause for celebration!
My team often jokes and laughs at the things we see and experience when conversing with our residential
population about policies and expectations (sometimes it is more of shaking our heads and asking ourselves why).
Have fun, while accomplishing one floor at a time; one wing at a time!
Treat yo'self - When you make it through, never hesitate to treat yourself to something rewarding. It could be a hot
bubble bath, your favorite tea, or ice cream. Pat yourself on the back for being amazing by taking care of yourself,
your community, and your overall health.
What other things would you consider when conducting health and safety inspections and/or mandated building
walk-throughs while pregnant?
If you are an individual supporting those who are carrying life, be sure to check in on them prior to and after tasks
such as health and safety inspections that cause one to exert a lot of energy that can be physically, mentally, and
emotionally taxing.
Ask them how can you be of assistance before, doing, and after the walk-throughs. If you have the time, walk a
floor or two with them and encourage them to follow through on the tips above. If they are not having an easy
pregnancy, encourage and assist them in rallying team members willing and able to complete this task on their
behalf. Go out with them to the "treat yo'self" party, if they are up for company.
Communicating care and concern goes a long way in ensuring your colleagues feel valued and supported. Knowing
tips and tricks to help them be effective while maintaining self-care is also monumental. Place these in your toolbox
and/or be sure to add to what you already do and/or utilize to show support.
In what ways have you as a supervisor and/or colleague supported a fellow colleague or team member who was
pregnant during these seasons in residence life?
I hope that this piece has fulfilled its purpose of enlightening, inspiring, and/or empowering you to be great and
make health and safety inspections a rewarding task to accomplish, should you be responsible for completing them.
Questions? Comments? Reach out! dchughes@fsu.edu
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SEAHO Report Fall 2019

SEAHO Report - Fall 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of SEAHO Report - Fall 2019