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According to an article by Very Well Mind, most people see self-care as a "luxury" - it's not. Self-care is for everyone and it's necessary to take care of yourself in order to deal with daily stress and challenges. Remember to take care of yourself during these stressful times.
Types of self-care:
- Physical
- Getting enough sleep
- Taking care of your physical health - listen to your body
- Eating enough and eating right (most of the time)
- Stay hydrated - drink some water
- Getting up and moving - exercise, go for a walk, etc.
- Social
- Call or FaceTime a friend or loved one to check in - see how they're doing
- Hug a loved one or a pet (if you have one) - but also respect their boundaries
- If meeting up in-person, follow social distancing guidelines and wear a mask
- Mental
- Do activities to keep your brain stimulated (ex: crossword puzzles, reading)
- Enjoy something that inspires you
- Limit your social media time and news exposure
- Laughter is often the best medicine
- Spiritual
- Pray (if you're religious) or meditate
- Connect with nature - take a few minutes to spend outdoors
- Do some yoga poses
- Practice self-compassion, kindness and gratitude
- Emotional
- Set healthy boundaries
- Allow yourself to feel your feelings
- Find healthy outlets to express your emotions (ex: art, music, writing, sports)
- Talk to a trusted friend or loved one with how you feel - or talk to a therapist
- Practical
- Declutter one small space at a time (keep items that "spark joy" with the KonMari method)
- Create and manage a budget to reduce financial stress
- Give yourself enough time to complete tasks and assignments
For more Mental Health resources, visit SUNY Cortland's Counseling Center.
