Self Care During Difficult Times

The holiday season can be a difficult and stressful time for many. That's why it's so important to stop and listen to your own needs, too. Here are some self-care ideas for December and beyond. Take a walk outside

• Write a love letter to yourself
• Write about something you are grateful for in your life (it can be a person, place, or thing)
• Create a happy playlist and a coping playlist
• Treat yourself to a favorite snack
• Watch your favorite movie
• Forgive someone
• Forgive yourself
• Say thank you to someone who has helped you recently
• Create a DIY self-care kit of things that make you feel better
• Take your medication on time
• Take a new fitness class at the gym (yoga, Zumba, etc.)
• Plan a lunch date with someone you haven’t seen in a while
• Pamper yourself with an at-home spa day
• Take a day off from social media and the Internet
• Reach out to your support system
• Cuddle with your pets or a friend’s pet
• Take the time to stop, stand and stretch for 2 minutes
• Wake up a little earlier and enjoy your a morning cup of tea or coffee before the morning rush
• Take a hot shower or bath
• Take yourself out to dinner
• Volunteer
• Start that one project you’ve been contemplating for a while
• Sit with your emotions, and allow yourself to feel and accept them. It’s okay to laugh, cry, just feel whatever you’re feeling with no apologies!
• Cook a favorite meal from scratch
• Take a 5-minute break in your day
• Compliment someone (and yourself, too!)
• Give yourself permission to say no
• De-clutter your mind: write down 5 things that are bothering you, and then literally throw them away
• Donate 3 pieces of clothing that you no longer wear
• Take the time to find 5 beautiful things during your daily routine
• Take a mental health day from school, work, etc.
• Take a nap
• Reach out to the Lifeline