Self-care

Ideas for Self-Care:

Physical self-care:

• Practice good sleep hygiene, try to develop a regular sleep routine
• Aim to eat a balanced diet, try to consume more vegetables and fruit
• Set time in the day for breaks and rest
• Get outside and enjoy the fresh air while moving your body

Mental and Emotional self-care:

• Start a gratitude journal
• Try a new hobby
• Turn off your email once you have finished work/studies
• Make time to take deep breaths every day, aim for 5 slow deep breaths every hour
• Take the time connect with friends and family

Spiritual self-care:

• Try out yoga or meditation, there are some great apps and youtube videos available to get you started
• Try out reflective journaling
• Head out into nature and discover the great walks around your city
• Engage with your culture or religion

How to make a self-care checklist:

1. Availability. Working out what is realistic with the time you have available is a great place to start with self-care. By doing this you are controlling your time rather than letting it control and consume you. Figure out your non-negotiables. For example, work, university study, socialising and exercise.
2. Be realistic with your routine and recognise that setting smaller goals is the key. While coming up with the components of the checklist think about what changes you might need to make to achieve your goals. For example, you might replace 30 minutes of social media or Netflix with meditation or a walk.
3. Start with the basics, ask yourself am I getting the right amount of rest and nourishment?
4. Check in with yourself, check how you are progressing with your goals and reward yourself for your efforts.

Daily Routine:

Having a daily routine is a key component of leading a balanced life. A routine helps to build daily habits which will later become automatic. There are 5 main reasons as to why a daily routine is important, including better time management, self-discipline, focus, a healthy balance and understanding yourself better.

Apps:

Available to download from the apple app store or android store

• Headspace, meditation and mindfulness techniques.
• Calm, can improve sleep and boost mood.

Need Help?

• Need to talk? 1737: Phone 1737 or Text 1737
• The Lowdown, 0800 111 757 or Text 5626

If you require urgent or crisis mental health care please call Crisis Resolution on 0800 920 092 or dial 111.