Self-Care

What is self care?

- Self-care is knowing yourself, responding to your needs, and aligning your life to support your well-being so you can thrive and live up to your potential.
- Self-care makes a holistically healthy life possible.
  - Maintaining a healthy body, a healthy mind, and healthy relationships depends on self-care.
- You can’t pour from an empty cup.
  - What you do to take care of yourself is an act of generosity that benefits not only you, but countless others around you.

What self-care is NOT ...

- Self-care is NOT selfish, or an excuse to be selfish.
  - Typically we are more patient, generous, and forgiving when our needs are met and we are honoring our own feelings.
- Self-care is NOT something that needs to be done in isolation
  - We can support each other’s self-care efforts by holding each other accountable or offering to help make an important self-care activity happen for our roommate or friend.
- Self-care is NOT just an activity or commodity that costs money.
  - There’s a lot of powerful self-care activities that are completely free and available with nothing other than your own body and awareness (e.g., your breath, speaking kindly to yourself, resting).

Self-care may look like the unexpected:
- Saying No
- Resting
- Setting boundaries
- Feeling uncomfortable emotions
- Asking for help
- Discipline + commitment, even when it’s difficult

GIVE IT A TRY

Self-Care Across the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

- EMOTIONAL: check in with yourself and how you feel
  - try this: accept yourself and honor your experience; share your feelings with someone you trust
- SOCIAL: notice who you are spending time with
  - try this: reach out to someone who encourages you to be your best self
- INTELLECTUAL: pay attention to what interests you and opens your perspective
  - try this: follow a curiosity, expand your mind, and enjoy the learning process
- ENVIRONMENTAL: notice your surroundings
  - try this: spend time in nature; clear out & refresh your living space
- PHYSICAL: take stock of what gives you energy and depletes your energy
  - try this: take a nap, stretch, drink a glass of water
- SPIRITUAL: contemplate what gives you meaning/purpose
  - try this: journal about when you feel most connected, alive, inspired
- CAREER: reflect on your values and goals
  - try this: explore how your current work/classes support your future aspirations and core values
- FINANCIAL: be mindful of how you spend your resources (time, attention, money)
  - try this: bring snacks to study instead of buying food

GO FOR IT: Tips, Tricks, Activities

Ask yourself, “what do I need right now?”
Keep it simple!
- pause & unplug from technology for 5 or 10 minutes
- get fresh air and sunlight (or moonlight)
- take 5 deep breaths
- hydrate
- play a favorite song
What’s one thing you can do that your future self will thank you for?

CDC Website on Self-Care

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