Looking After Yourself
Be a good friend – to yourself
Taking care of yourself during the busyness of everyday life is important
Remember:
-
Be kind to yourself.
-
Be patient with yourself.
-
Forgive yourself.
-
Be there for yourself.
Also! Your inner dialog and the way you speak to yourself plays a big role in how you perceive yourself and the rest of the world.
Here are a few tips to lighten the load of what may be on your shoulders at this time.
Consider Your Capacity to Help Before Helping Others
Capacity means how much you can help others without getting too tired or stressed. It includes how much time, energy, and money you have. Knowing your capacity helps you decide what you can do to help others while still taking care of yourself.
Be honest with your family about what you can and can't do.
Take a moment to reflect on your current situation. Consider your time, energy, and financial resources. Understanding your capacity will help you determine how much you can realistically offer.
​
​Set Boundaries
Clearly define what you are comfortable doing and what you are not. For example, you might be able to help with certain tasks but not others. Setting boundaries ensures you don’t overextend yourself.
Be Consistent
Stick to the boundaries you’ve set. Consistency helps reinforce your limits and ensures that your family respects them.
​
It’s important to offer help that stays within your personal limits.
Overextending yourself can lead to feelings of overwhelm and resentment, which may harm your relationships. If you feel you’ve taken on too much, have an open conversation with your family as soon as possible.
Writing a self-care plan
Self-care plans can clarify your thoughts, feelings and allow you to focus on the present moment.
By figuring out what you can and can’t control, you can feel less worried. This helps you show your concerns and make plans to handle them
​
Set Specific Goals
PHYSICAL (Exercise, healthy food, sleep)
- Mindful Walk: Go for a walk or and soak up your surroundings.
​
EMOTIONAL (Journaling, therapy, spending time with loved ones)
- Gratitude List: Write down three things you are grateful for today. This can help shift your focus from negative to positive.
- Letter Writing: Write a letter to yourself or someone else, expressing your feelings. You don’t have to send it; the act of writing can be therapeutic.
​
MENTAL (Reading, learning new skills, mindfulness practices)
- Keep your mind sharp: Take up a new hobby, enrol in a course or learn something new.
- Take Breaks: Ensure you take regular breaks from work or stressful activities to recharge
Create a plan
Write down a plan for the next few hours or days to help you feel more in control. This can include simple tasks and goals.
Relaxation Techniques
Practice deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body. More info
Stay Active & Healthy
​​Physical activity, even a short walk, can boost your mood and reduce stress. Drinking water, eating healthy foods, limiting alcohol and getting enough rest are small steps which add up to feeling better physically and mentally.​
.jpeg)
Connect with others
Reach out to friends, family, or support groups. Talking to someone who understands can be very comforting.
Limit screen time
Reduce exposure to news and social media if it feels overwhelming. Set boundaries for screen time, especially before bed.​
Professional Help
Don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counselor if you need it. They can provide valuable support and coping strategies. More info
Tips for managing stress​
Relaxation quick tips
​​
-
Guided meditation: Use apps like Headspace or Calm for sessions.
-
Yoga incorporates both physical movement and mindfulness. Even a short session can help reduce stress.
-
Journaling: Write down thoughts and feelings to process emotions and clear your mind.
-
Art: Drawing, painting and creative expression can be therapeutic.
-
Warm bath: Add epsom salts or essential oils for added relaxation.
-
Skincare routine: Taking time to care for your skin.
-
Drink water: Staying hydrated to maintain your body’s balance and reduce stress.
-
Read a book: Escape into a good book to give your mind a break from daily stressors.
-
Join a group: Whether it’s a hobby group or a support group, connecting with others can provide a sense of community.
-
Volunteer: Whether in support roles or animal rescue, fosters meaningful connections with others by bringing together people who share common values and goals.
-
Gardening: Tending to plants can be a peaceful and rewarding activity.
-
Cooking: Preparing a meal can be a relaxing and creative process.
-
Play your favourite tunes or calming music to help you unwind.
-
Listening to sounds of nature, like rain or ocean waves, can soothe.
-
A professional massage can help relieve physical tension and stress.