Background

Adapted from Kaia Fit

We have spent the semester doing several self-care activities, and it is our hope that you have found them beneficial. Self-care doesn't need to be costly or time-consuming. Here is a list of quick and easy self-care suggestions that require only 10 minutes or less to experiment with. They are designed to improve your physical and mental well-being, even when your schedule is jam-packed.

• Take a moment to savor a cup of tea or coffee without any distractions. Simply sit back and enjoy the moment.

• Find a podcast on a topic that brings you joy and listen to it.

• Dedicate some time to learning a new hobby that interests you.

• Read a little bit each day to engage your mind and immerse yourself in a different world.

• Take a nap, even if it's during the day, to give yourself a moment of rest and rejuvenation.

• Light a scented candle that brings you comfort and fills the space with a pleasant aroma.

• Spend quality time playing with your pet, appreciating the unconditional love they provide.

• Remember to smile, as it can have a positive impact on your mood and overall well-being.

• Consider practicing meditation or yoga to promote relaxation and mindfulness.

• Step outside and breathe in the fresh air, allowing nature to refresh your senses.

• Change the sheets on your bed, making them clean and inviting for a restful night's sleep.

Assignment Task

1. Review the list and select one of these self-care practices and try to practice them at least three times this week. You may just change your sheets, step outside for some fresh air, light a scented candle, or mix them up, but you must complete the practice at least three times before Friday.

2. At the end of the week, report on your experiences by typing into the text box your answers to the following questions in a detailed paragraph of at least 200-250 words:

• • Which of the self-care practices did you do this week?

  • How did the self-care practices help you? Did it help you concentrate? Sleep better? Relax?

  • Did they help you in any other ways? Help reduce your stress and anxiety? Explain more. 

  • Were there any other insights as to how these self-care practices benefited you? Describe and tell me more about it.

  • Will you do either of these practices in the future? Explain your answer.

3. Write a paragraph where you report on your experiences and address all of the above questions. Don't forget to carefully proofread and edit. Here is a student sample for what I am looking for: 

I know just how much little sleep can affect me. If I do not get at least 8 hours of sleep the previous night, I find myself irritated the next day and exhausted by lunch time. This week I practiced the guided sleep meditation on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday night before I fell asleep. On Monday I tried the ten minute one provided in the prompt; however, it was not long enough for me. I did not fall asleep to it and had to restart the video twice. I find that I much prefer the hour-long guided meditation sleep videos. I feel like the hour-long video helped me sleep, but the 10-minute-long video did not. I was getting irritated that I had to keep restarting the video. However, I have always felt that guided meditations no matter what kind help decrease my anxiety and stress. I can even see these positive affects the following days after doing them. I will not be doing the 10-minute video again as it did not help and made it worse. When I have trouble falling asleep, I always use the hour-long videos to help me. I like to put headphones in and listen to them. All and all, I feel like I do enjoy the guided sleep meditations as long as they are long enough.                                                               

--Sierra Romero, English 300 class of Fall 2021