Self-Wellness
Self-Wellness Plan
Learning to Self-Care for Minds and Bodies
People have different reactions when it comes to self-care. What thoughts come to mind for you? Some people may be totally on board, while others may think it’s silly or impossible at this time.
What is self-care, really? Self-care is everyday wellness – doing regular things to help you move through the many emotions and experiences each day. It can be an alternative to medication.
A self-wellness plan includes healthy habits which can alleviate some stress and/or at least help during the daily stressors. Real self-care is connected to your values and fills your soul in many domains in your life, including work, relationships, health, intellectual pursuits, social connections, and spirituality. Making time for joy and taking care of yourself is fundamental to your well-being.
Truths about Self-Care:
Self-Care is a gradual process and takes effort.
Self-Care is not always easy or fun.
Self- Care can be integrated into everyday living.
Self-Care includes exercise, sleep, proper nutrition, and fun.
Self-Care allows you to show up for others – especially your family.
Self-Care allows you to live your values and your life’s purpose.
Self-Care helps you to notice discomfort and pay attention to it and handle it with care.
Self-Care includes feeling your brain and your body what it needs.
Self-Care keeps you in control of your circumstances.
Self-Care activities create daily improvement which have beneficial long-term effects.
Self-Care increases our emotional and physical stamina and improves our self-esteem.
Self-Care includes our family, community, and our surroundings.
Self-care is a selfless practice that ensures we are ready and recharged before giving our full attention to the people who depend on us for motivation, vision, and inspiration.
For parents, modeling and prioritizing self-care is an opportunity to teach children about self-compassion, the value of self-love and how to become their own self-advocate during stressful times. Highlighting the value of mind and body wellness and encouraging each person in your family to create their own personal wellness plan, will enable them to develop better coping strategies for years to come.
Some possible ideas to add to your own self-wellness plan:
Take 3 deep breaths to reset
Listen to music, podcast, book
Try a guided meditation (even for 1 minute)
Exercise/Movement (even for as little as 3-5 minutes)
Dance to your favorite song/music
Read for fun
Drink water. (especially when you wake up and during the day)
Have a real lunch – sitting down and paying attention to your food
Subtract something from your schedule
Practice gratitude. Write down 1-5 things a day
Ask for help
Look at your photos and feel the joy of the memories
Walk/run with a friend, dog, someone in your family or alone
Play a game
Have fun doing something you enjoy
Have a meaningful conversation
Call someone, send a letter, note, text to make someone smile
Sit outside and just observe the sights, smells, sounds
Make a bedtime routine, go to bed earlier, turn off electronics
Create a morning schedule. This can change weekly/monthly/seasonally
Set limits/boundaries
Say no to something that doesn’t serve you
Be creative – art, music, house, fun with kids
Do something kind for someone
Wake earlier or sleep longer
Clear clutter, cleaning your personal space
Journal, sit in solitude, meditation
Do nothing. Just see what comes to you
Make lists. Worry lists, To Do lists, Accomplished lists, Fun lists, Feelings list
Practice being mindful – practice mindful eating at least one meal a day, mindful driving instead of listening to radio, mindful playtime instead of checking emails, mindful walking…
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