Wellness
SELF CARE: A Checklist for Youth, By Youth
Look after yourself first. Taking one action of self-care a day is a huge accomplishment.
Use the Time.
View isolation through a "glass half-full" lens. Use the time to take a break from people and work on becoming the best version of yourself through practicing habits that you have always wanted to practice (learning a new language, setting new fitness goals)Set up a sleep routine that you are able to stick to.
Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to bring back some normalcy.
Connect with others.
Friends and family can be contacted regularly through video calls, phone call, letters, text messages or even online games.Take moments to pause.
Keep yourself busy to avoid overthinking, however, do not forget to take time for yourself. Write a journal, watch TV, have a nap, be artistic, spend time outside, listen to music, do a puzzle, have a bath.
Recognize the good and the bad.
Everyone has bad days - try not to be too hard on yourself. Practice being mindful about negative thoughts and challenge them by asking yourself, is this true or helpful for me to think? If not, try and replace them with the positive alternative. Reflect on what's important to you and try to stay away from too much negative news or social media.Exercise on a daily basis.
Do something you enjoy doing, including walking, running, yoga, workouts, dancing, biking or outdoor sports.
Enjoy the little things.
Take this time apart to do something positive for yourself. Learn something new, read a book or watch a movie you have not had the time to enjoy.
Eat nutritious snacks during the day. Eating habits change when stressed - maintain regular meal times.
Repeat the cycle. Maintaining a habit, routine or trying a new skill for 3 weeks will increase the likelihood that activity will stick.
Courtesy of Child Trauma Research Centre University of Regina
Listen. Support. Care.
Break the stigma.
KEEPING ACTIVE
One of the key factors in maintaining good mental health is physical activity. It can improve your mood and your thinking.
Things you can do:
Go for a walk to the park.
Ride your bike in your neighbourhood.
Sign up for an online fitness training program.
Lift weights.
Skip a rope.
Play with your younger siblings in the backyard.
Start to train for a 5k or 10k run.
Shoot some hoops.
Eat healthy foods, drink lots of water and get sleep to keep up your energy level.
Try yoga or pilates.
EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL CARE
Creating and maintaining positive ways to care for your emotional and social well being are important for healthy living.
Interact with your family - play board games or cards, watch movies.
Take a break from social media.
Write a letter to yourself to open 5 years from now.
Learn to cook a new recipe.
Practice your deep breathing. Check out this link for tips and techniques. https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/uz2255
Grounding technique (5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell and 1 thing you taste)
Progressive Muscle relaxation. Check out this link to get you started. https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/how-to-do-progressive-muscle-relaxation/
Connect with friends that you haven't seen in a long time.
Find a way to give back to your community. Even with social isolating, there are ways you can still reach out to help others (art work in your windows, sidewalk chalk,
Declutter your room and redecorate it.
SPIRITUAL
Taking time to focus and reflect on our spiritual and faith needs gives us the opportunity to become comfortable with ourselves and provides an opportunity to build and enhance our relationship with Creator God.
Read your favourite book.
Pray.
Write in a journal. (Things you are grateful for)
Draw, paint or just create.
Play a musical instrument.
Listen to your favourite music.
Set smart goals for yourself. What kind of person do you want to be in two months?
Listen to a podcast - explore a little.
MIND OVER MATTER
In the same way we challenge our physical body to perform, we also need to challenge our minds and our thinking. Take this time to grow and develop.
Read a good book.
Learn a new language.
Learn a new skill and teach it to someone.
Play games and do puzzles.
Learn to play a musical instrument.
Write the first chapter of your own book.
Work on your classes ask for help if you need to.
Set up a routine for yourself and stick to it.
Listen to your mind and take a break when needed.
