Practicing Self-Care

You don't need to set aside special time for resting and relaxing. You don't need a special pillow or any fancy equipment. You don't need a whole hour. In fact, now is a very good time to relax.

Meditation - To meditate means to pay full attention to something. It does not mean to run away from life. Instead, it's an opportunity to look deeply into ourselves and into the situation we're in.

-How to Relax, Thich Nhat Hanh

Mental Fitness

Nowadays, kids often get lost watching episodes of their favorite TV show, playing video games, or consuming too much screen time. While technology is a huge part of the future and your child’s life, you should also encourage them to nourish the mind and get away from the TV or tablet for a while.

Buy toys that get your child to think, allow them to practice imaginative play, or work on some crafts. These all can help them develop different skills and allow them to work things through in their minds.

Take it a step further and have them practice yoga or something else that helps them get in touch with their inner selves with you. This is a great way to help them gain insight and awareness.

Mindful Meditation

Mindfulness means paying full attention to something. It means taking your time to really notice what you're doing. Mindfulness happens naturally sometimes.
Practicing mindfulness can help teens learn how to manage stress, regulate their emotions, focus on the task at hand, and develop a positive outlook on life. Teens who use mindfulness also develop a better understanding of how their brains work.

Self-care: What is it?

Self-care describes a conscious act one takes to promote their own physical, mental, and emotional health.
Many people view self-care as a luxury, rather than a priority.
Self-care is vital for building resilience toward the stressors in life that you can't eliminate.

Self Care: What It Really Is

Healing

We might have lost confidence in the body just knowing what to do. When we have time alone with ourselves, we panic and try to do many different things. Mindful breathing helps us to relearn the art of resting. Mindful breathing is like a loving parent cradling a baby, saying, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of you; just rest."

5 Self-Care Practices

Physical Self-Care - This includes how you are fueling your body, how much sleep you're getting, how much physical activity you are doing, and how well you are caring for your physical needs.

Are you getting adequate sleep?
Is your diet fueling your body well?
Are you getting enough exercise?

Social Self-Care - Socialization is key, and the best way to cultivate and maintain close relationships is to put time and energy into building your relationships with others.

Are you getting enough face-to-face time with your friends?
What are you doing to nurture your relationships with friends and family?

Mental Self-Care - This includes doing things that keep your mind sharp, as well as doing things that help you stay mentally healthy. Such as practicing self-compassion and acceptance.

Are you making enough time for activities that mentally stimulate you?
Are you doing proactive things to help you stay mentally healthy?

Spiritual Self-Care - Nurturing your spirit can involve anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of meaning, understanding, or connection with the universe.

What questions do you ask yourself about your life and experience?
Are you engaging in spiritual practices that you find fulfilling?

Emotional Self-Care - It's important to have healthy coping skills. This may include activities that help you acknowledge and express your feelings on a regular basis.

Do you have healthy ways to process your emotions?
Do you incorporate activities into your life that help you feel recharged?

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