The Accessible
Mental Health
Initiative.
Self-Care:
What is Self-Care?
Self-Care is defined as "the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress" by Oxford Dictionary. Self-Care really comes down to you as a person, what makes you feel mentally and physically healthy. What rejuvenates you? Watch one of the videos down below to learn more about self-care and how it realtes to mental health.
How Stressed are you? | Measuring your Stress
Knowing when you are stressed is an important skill to have. Simply taking a few minutes for yourself and checking in can be extremely useful. If you are not too sure where to start, try using an online self-test such as the one by Be Mindful (link).
Steps to take for Good Mental Health:
How do you practice self-care? Do you have a self-care plan in place? These are ten ideas to practice self-care:
1. Notice when you feel your best.
What is self-care for one person might not be the same for you.
2. Know when to say no.
Build boundaries and learn how to say no, your wellbeing comes first.
3. Check-in with yourself often.
4. Surround yourself with positive people.
5. Take care of yourself physically.
You don't have to go to the gym, it can be simple as taking a break and going for a walk.
6. Unplug.
Take care a break away from social media and electronics even if it is just for ten minutes.
7. Build a self-care kit.
8. Breathe in fresh air.
Go outside, breathe in the fresh air or open up a window. If it's too cold simply let in some sunlight.
9. Try a new activity.
Try something you have always wanted to do but have never done before.
10. List three things you are grateful for.
Why don't you try our free toolkit all about self-care?