Building Your Self-care Toolbox
When feeling stressed, anxious, disconnected, or unable to cope, it’s common to turn to distractions like snacking, endless scrolling or mindless TV watching. A better alternative is to create a “self-care toolbox” made up of healthy strategies and resources that you can easily access whenever you need to relax, spark your energy, or boost your mood, as well as support your overall well-being.
Try some of the self-care activities below that can help in the following key ways:
Calm your mind, ease worries
Use meditation apps or create a soothing music playlist. Keep a journal of your daily thoughts, including issues that worry you (and any possible solutions)—jot them down before bed so they don’t keep you awake! Write down three things you are grateful for each day–expressing gratitude can help reduce depression and increase happiness.
Move your body, boost your energy
Whether you take a half-hour walk on your lunch hour or dance to lively music, you will be stoking up the feel-good brain hormones, and helping your heart, muscles, digestion and more. Post the motto “Sit less, move more” by your desk. Set a timer to help you get up and move every 30 to 60 minutes—stretch, walk around during calls, etc.
Increase connection
Choose in-person experiences as much as possible. Try prepping and cooking a new healthy recipe to share with family or friends. Or, pick a buddy for a weekly walk through the park. Even if you go alone, just being in nature is restorative and connects you to the outside world and yourself in immeasurable ways.
Stimulate your mind, spark imagination
Keep a list of things you would like to explore or experience — whether new markets, tourist attractions, intriguing podcasts, upcoming events, or classes/courses to attend.
Keep your thinking focused and positive
Post sayings or reminders on your mirror, computer monitor, or glovebox that can help you switch to a positive mindset, such as: I CAN do this, this WILL get better, I CAN work through this, etc.
Lift your spirits
Look for ways to do good for others. Volunteering for a cause, visiting an elderly or sick loved one, or helping a neighbour with chores can help boost your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction.
**Adapted from Health Advocate