Self Care is something that we all need to take responsibility for and consciously assess and address. By viewing your personal wellbeing as something for you to gauge and micromanage yourself, you can prevent future stress on various aspects of your overall health. Here are quick points and activities to help you support different aspects of your wellbeing through self care. Use these pointers as an opportunity to take a moment, reassess and address the situation you are experiencing.
Physical
Take a walk, ride a bike, soak in a hot bath (don't forget the candles and music), exercise at the gym, stretch and move to music, practice yoga postures, take a course in Tai Chi, water aerobics or yoga, sit in the sun for 15 minutes, change one thing to improve your diet, watch birds and animals interact in nature, go swimming, sit in a garden or park, take a nap, get a massage.
Emotional
Take a deep breath and think "I am calm and peaceful", share feelings about an experience with a friend, listen to music you like, sing or make sounds, hug someone, ask for a hug, pet your dog or cat, talk to someone by pretending they are facing you in an empty chair, telephone a long distance friend or relative, notice what you are feeling several times a day, write a letter to someone who hurt you (but don't send it), feel your fear and take a positive risk for change, smile at a stranger and send them thoughts of peace, acceptance and joy, affirm yourself daily,
Mental
Say an affirmation, read a book or magazine article, express your thoughts and feelings in a journal, make a to do list, write a poem, write a letter, listen to tapes, email a friend, list things you will do to improve your life, update negative beliefs that limit your life, journal write daily about your reactions, thoughts and feelings, list your traits, needs and wants, make a list of short term and long term goals, preview your day upon awakening, review upon retiring.
Social
Share a meal, play a board game, research your family tree, go dancing, like a cause you believe in, host a sausage sizzle, respond to a blog, join a sporting or shared interest club, say hello or have a chat to a neighbour, get involved in your kids sports or school committee, complete a questionnaire or evaluation, speak to your elders, car pool, attend a community event.
Spiritual
Connect with nature, concentrate on the flame of a candle, meditate, pray, talk to your guardian angel, listen to a guided meditation tape, write about your spiritual purpose, visualize yourself in a peaceful place, do something of service for another or for your community, join a church group, learn about a religion different from your own, study with a spiritual teacher, study ancient, esoteric wisdom teachings, practice unconditional love and forgiveness with self and others.
(Harrill, n.d.)
Physical
Take a walk, ride a bike, soak in a hot bath (don't forget the candles and music), exercise at the gym, stretch and move to music, practice yoga postures, take a course in Tai Chi, water aerobics or yoga, sit in the sun for 15 minutes, change one thing to improve your diet, watch birds and animals interact in nature, go swimming, sit in a garden or park, take a nap, get a massage.
Emotional
Take a deep breath and think "I am calm and peaceful", share feelings about an experience with a friend, listen to music you like, sing or make sounds, hug someone, ask for a hug, pet your dog or cat, talk to someone by pretending they are facing you in an empty chair, telephone a long distance friend or relative, notice what you are feeling several times a day, write a letter to someone who hurt you (but don't send it), feel your fear and take a positive risk for change, smile at a stranger and send them thoughts of peace, acceptance and joy, affirm yourself daily,
Mental
Say an affirmation, read a book or magazine article, express your thoughts and feelings in a journal, make a to do list, write a poem, write a letter, listen to tapes, email a friend, list things you will do to improve your life, update negative beliefs that limit your life, journal write daily about your reactions, thoughts and feelings, list your traits, needs and wants, make a list of short term and long term goals, preview your day upon awakening, review upon retiring.
Social
Share a meal, play a board game, research your family tree, go dancing, like a cause you believe in, host a sausage sizzle, respond to a blog, join a sporting or shared interest club, say hello or have a chat to a neighbour, get involved in your kids sports or school committee, complete a questionnaire or evaluation, speak to your elders, car pool, attend a community event.
Spiritual
Connect with nature, concentrate on the flame of a candle, meditate, pray, talk to your guardian angel, listen to a guided meditation tape, write about your spiritual purpose, visualize yourself in a peaceful place, do something of service for another or for your community, join a church group, learn about a religion different from your own, study with a spiritual teacher, study ancient, esoteric wisdom teachings, practice unconditional love and forgiveness with self and others.
(Harrill, n.d.)