Quick Self-Care

We know that you don't always have time for an hour hike or a weekend away to recharge. So here's some quick ideas for self-care that you can do when you are short on time but still want to prioritize your health care.

🎯 Quick Self-Care Ideas (10 MINUTES OR LESS!)

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Practice deep breathing or try a short guided meditation to help center yourself.

• Stretching: Do a few stretches to relieve tension and improve flexibility.

• Mindful Journaling: Write down a few thoughts or things you’re grateful for.

• Listening to Music: Put on a favorite song or calming playlist and just listen.

• Quick Walk: Take a brisk walk around the block or in your home to get some fresh air and move your body.

• Hydrate: Drink a glass of water or herbal tea.

• Read a Short Article or Poem: Enjoy a quick read that interests or inspires you.

• Mindfulness Practice: Spend a few minutes being present and mindful of your surroundings.

• Aromatherapy: Use essential oils or a scented candle to create a calming atmosphere.

• Declutter a Small Space: Tidy up a small area, like your desk or a drawer.

• Positive Affirmations: Repeat a few positive affirmations to boost your mood.

• Quick Hobby Session: Engage in a brief activity you enjoy, like sketching or knitting.

• Connect with a Friend: Send a quick text or voice message to someone you care about.

• Take a Power Nap: Rest for a short 10-minute nap to recharge

Feeling...Inside Out?

Have your kids watched Inside Out 2? It can be a great tool for starting a conversation about emotions and mental health as a family.

🥰🥶😡 One of the great things this movie teaches kids is all about the importance of embracing new emotions and how it's okay to have lots of different emotions even if they aren't all joy.

It also talks about anxiety and how in doses it can actually be good for us, but too much can work against us.

Check out this article on "5 Powerful Mental Health Lessons We Can All Learn from Inside Out 2" at https://globalcounselingsolutions.org/mental-health-lessons-we-can-learn-from-inside-out-2/

Have some fun with it, here are some activities you can do that help kids explore their emotions that are all about the movie.

"👉 Message to Headquarters" activity: https://ymiclassroom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/io2_act3.pdf

👉Printable Inside Out Emotions Board Game:

https://printablecrush.com/printable-inside-out-emotions-board-game/

Choose YOU

A big part of self-love and doing self-care is practicing SELF COMPASSION!

🌷 What is it? Self-compassion is being kind to yourself. It means being understanding and supportive even when things don’t go well or the way you planned. Self-compassion is related to mindfulness because we can be more kind to ourselves when we are aware of our thoughts and feelings.

Why does it matter?

• Helps us deal with challenges and disappointments

• Improves self-esteem and self-worth

• Encourages confidence and resiliency

• Allows us to accept our mistakes

• Inspires gratitude toward ourselves

  
  

How can we practice it in our every day life?

💙 Be mindful, pay attention to the present moment. Notice your thoughts and feelings without judging them.

💙Treat yourself as you would treat a good friend. Use encouraging words and be understanding of what your needs are at the moment.

💙Take care of your body and mind. Ask yourself, "How can I support and comfort myself right now?"

💙Change how you react to mistakes. If you didn't do well on a task, rather than criticizing yourself, remind yourself that you did your best and can learn from the experience.