What is Self-Care?
Self-care is a necessity. Especially for those who are having big problems in their life, from poor mental health, to hectic schedules, or issues at school or work that are causing stress or anxiety. Self-care is especially important for people dealing with trauma, grief, addiction, loss, relationship challenges, or heartbreak. Taking time to recharge can help people cope and keep functioning day to day. If a person throws themselves at a problem 100% for a long time, they will tire out and be less effective against the problem at hand. Everyone needs a break at some point. That is where self-care comes in.
Self-care is part of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) as it helps students take time to understand how they feel (self-awareness) and choose healthy ways to cope with their stress (self-management). SEL also supports asking for help from trusted adults when problems feel too big to handle alone which encourages children to learn to ask for help.
Along with self-care, communication is important too. Someone who feels overwhelmed, unsafe, or stuck should reach out to a trusted adult, counselor, or healthcare professional for support. Talking to someone is a great way to get support or guidance.
Effective Self-Care Routines
A self-care routine can be different for everyone. For some, it means shutting their brain off and reading a novel or watching a show or movie. For others, self-care might be to help themselves physically, with an exercise routine or a bubble bath, something to help their body feel refreshed or ready for the problem ahead.
Taking time for yourself and caring for mind and body can take many forms. A few options for older teens and adults can include:
- Make and drink herbal tea
- Cook something new
- Do arts or crafts
- Listen to music or a podcast
- Draw or paint
- Watch or listen to comedy
- Go to a thrift shop and look for a gift for a friend
- Order dinner or your favorite meal
- Go for a drive
- Go on a walk or for a run
- Go to a library or coffee shop with a book
- Sing out loud
- Sleep in
- Get a massage
- Try on clothes and make new outfits
- Try some scrapbooking
- Bake something fun
Low-cost and school-friendly options
- Take 5 deep breaths or a short mindfulness break
- Stretch or do gentle movement
- Write in a journal or gratitude list
- Listen to calming music
- Organize your backpack or desk
- Drink water / have a snack break
- Talk to a trusted adult, counselor, or teacher
- Draw something fun
Now, alone might be the best option for some. Many people need to recharge their social battery or just be alone while they take care of themselves. However, for some, other people might be what they need to feel better. Seeing a person’s best friend or a family member might be just what they need.
While most of the activities listed before could work as a group activity, for some more specific ideas to feel some social connection, look down below:
- Call, text, or talk to a friend on social media
- Play with a pet and/or talk to a pet
- Do a good deed for someone else
- Volunteer in your community; Perhaps at a local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
- Play cards or a board game. Maybe throw a game night with some friends or family.
- Join a class or group
- Research your family tree
- Go stargazing with friends or family
- Write a letter or email to an old friend or start writing to a penpal
- Go on a bike ride.
- Pick flowers or berries
- Try starting a garden
- Paint something and have a loved one paint something. Switch every 5 minutes and compare your creations at the end.”
References
Mental Health America. “50 Self-Care Activities to Do When You Don’t Know Where to Start.” Mental Health America. https://screening.mhanational.org/content/50-self-care-activities-to-do-when-you-dont-know-where-to-start
“How Does SEL Support Your Priorities? – CASEL.” CASEL, 1 June 2023, https://casel.org/fundamentals-of-sel/how-does-sel-support-your-priorities.