Thankful for Self-Care

This holiday season, remember… It’s okay to:

🦃 Set Boundaries: You don’t have to say yes to every invitation or event. Your peace matters.

🍂 Take Breaks: It’s okay to step away from the kitchen, the guest list, or the to-do list. Breathe, recharge, and focus on YOU.

🥧 Say No: Saying no is a form of self-respect. Whether it's a task, a commitment, or something that doesn't serve you, it’s okay to turn it down.

🍁 Prioritize Your Well-Being: Emotional, mental, and physical rest are just as important as holiday cheer. Take time to check in with yourself.

🌟 Be Grateful for Your Journey: This year may have been full of challenges, but it’s also been full of growth. Give yourself credit.

Take care of YOU this Thanksgiving, because self-care is the best gift you can give yourself. 💖

#SelfCareSunday #ThanksgivingEdition #ItsOkayTo #BoundariesAreLove #TakeBreaks #PrioritizeYou #HolidaySelfCare #Gratitude

Teen Toolkit

🏵️ For #Self-CareSunday we are encouraging caregivers to help the youth in their life create a SELF CARE TOOLKIT!

Self-care can be virtually anything that calms and relaxes us. Support your teen's independence by encouraging them to seek out ways of unwinding that work well for them. Life be be stressful and overwhelming for anyone at any age.

Here's a list of possibilities to get you both started. Many of these techniques help evoke the "relaxation response," our body's natural way of recovering from stress.

10 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Teens 🌟

-Digital Detox 📵 – Take a break from screens for an hour or two. Relax, read, or spend time outside.

-Gratitude Journal ✨ – Write down three things you’re grateful for each day to keep a positive outlook.

-Move Your Body 🕺 – Dance, do some yoga, or go for a walk. Movement boosts mood and energy!

-Get Creative 🎨 – Try drawing, painting, or any art form that lets you express yourself.

-Mindful Breathing 🌬️ – Take a few deep breaths to reduce stress. Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique.

-Hydrate 💧 – Drink water regularly! Staying hydrated helps with focus and energy.

-Listen to Music 🎶 – Make a playlist of songs that lift you up or help you unwind.

-Connect with a Friend ☎️ – Reach out to someone you trust. Talking can be a big stress reliever.

-Pamper Yourself 🛁 – Take a warm bath or shower, put on a face mask, or do something else that makes you feel good.

-Get Outside 🌳 – Fresh air and sunlight can help clear your mind and boost your mood.

Check out more self-care ideas as well as youth resiliency articles on our StandUP AJ Blog here: https://www.standupaj.org/blog

#standupaj #prevention #drugawareness #drugfreeyouth #addiction #recovery #mentalhealth #apachejunction #talkearlytalkoften #talktheyhearyou

November Challenge

🌟 November Challenge 🌟#Self-CareSunday

This month, let’s make mental health a priority with a Self-Care Challenge designed to encourage peace, joy, and resilience! ✨💪

Whether you’re a busy caregiver, a young adult, or a family looking for ways to recharge together, this challenge is for you!

Here’s how it works: Each day, try a small, mindful activity—whether it’s taking a deep breath, journaling a gratitude list, or getting outside for a few minutes. These moments can be simple but have a powerful impact on mental health. 💚

And this November, let’s make it even more meaningful by inviting youth to join in! Encourage young ones to reflect on what makes them happy, calm, or energized. Doing these activities together not only builds strong habits but creates precious moments of connection and fun. 💞

💫 Additional Challenge Examples:

• Mindful Mondays: Try a 5-minute breathing exercise or meditation together.

• Gratitude Tuesdays: Share 3 things you’re grateful for around the dinner table.

• Wellness Wednesdays: Go for a walk or play a game outside.

• Thoughtful Thursdays: Write down a positive affirmation or share an encouraging word.

Let’s lift each other up and prioritize mental well-being one day at a time! 🌈 Share your journey with #NovemberSelfCareChallenge and let’s inspire others to do the same.