Self Care

Self-Care During COVID-19 (for teens)

Things you can do to support yourself (CDC, 2020)

• Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.

• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and drugs.

• Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.

• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling. Utilize virtual chat options such as FaceTime or Zoom to meet up with friends.

• Keep your routine as much as possible. If you don’t have a routine, try to structure each day.

• Make a list of projects, tv shows, books of things you ought to or want to do

• Take this time to try a new hobby through YouTube videos

• Write letters or make cards for friends

• Focus on things that you can control

• Make sure to follow “good news” or “worthy” movements on social media to counteract all the negativity in the news.

• Spend time/money helping others or your community

• Reflect on what you are grateful for in your life

• Go outside in nature, keeping at least a 6 foot distance from others