Level Up Your Self-Care Game

Self-care isn’t just spa days and bubble baths...guys need it too. 💪

So guys - here are 5 ways to hit RECHARGE MODE and keep your mind and body strong:

🔥 1. Move Your Body

Play basketball, skate, lift, run or just turn up your playlist and go wild in your room. Movement = instant mood boost.

📵 2. Unplug for an Hour

Take a break from scrolling. Go outside, shoot some hoops, or chill without notifications blowing up your phone. Trust us, the memes will still be there.

🍎 3. Fuel Up Right

Swap junk for something that actually helps you feel good. Grab water, fruit, or make a protein-packed smoothie. Your body (and brain) will love you for it.

🎮 4. Do Something Just for Fun

Not everything has to be “productive.” Game, draw, build something, try a new hobby or whatever makes you happy.

🗣 5. Talk it Out

Real strength? Saying what’s on your mind. Hit up a friend, talk to someone you trust, or even write it down.

Bottom line: Self-care isn’t extra, and it's certainly not just for girls. It’s what keeps you ready for the next challenge.

Which one are you trying today? 👇

Resilience Rock Garden

Resilience Rock Garden: A Creative Way to Build Strength

When life feels heavy, small reminders of strength can make a big difference. This week let’s create something simple, fun, and powerful: a Resilience Rock Garden. It’s an art project that doubles as a daily boost for your mindset.

What You’ll Need:

• Smooth rocks or pebbles (from your yard, park, or craft store)

• Acrylic paint or paint pens

• Paintbrushes

• A jar, basket, or small tray for your rock garden

  
  

How to Create Your Resilience Rocks:

1. Find Your Rocks: Choose rocks that feel good in your hand. Wash and dry them.

2. Pick Your Words: Think of words that give you strength like brave, calm, hopeful, unstoppable.

3. Paint Your Base: Start with bright, fun colors. Let the paint dry.

4. Add Your Words: Write one positive word on each rock. Add designs or patterns if you want!

5. Create Your Garden: Arrange your finished rocks in a small area, jar, or basket where you’ll see them every day.

   
   

How It Builds Resilience:

When stress or tough emotions hit, grab a rock and hold it while repeating the word aloud. It’s a physical, visual reminder of your ability to stay strong. Sharing rocks with friends can spread positivity too!

Bonus Challenge: Make extra rocks and leave them in public spaces for someone else to find, you never know whose day you’ll brighten.

The Future is YOU!

The Future is YOU! This weekend let’s talk about a type of self-care people don’t always think about...protecting your future. The choices you make now can shape your life in big ways. One of the best acts of self-love is saying no to harmful substances and yes to building the kind of life you actually want.

Think of it like a DIY project where the end result is you at your best. This is a great project to do with the youth in your life!

Step 1: Blueprint

Start with a vision. Grab a notebook or your phone and jot down or make a vision board:

✏️ The kind of person you want to be in 1, 5, and 10 years

✏️The values that matter most to you

✏️Your biggest dreams and goals

Step 2: Gather the Materials

Surround yourself with healthy friendships, hobbies, education, and activities. Drugs and alcohol aren’t part of the plan. They’re like building a house with broken bricks. It might stand for a little while, but it won’t last. List all the materials you think you need to reach your goals.

Step 3: Build with Daily Actions

Small choices every day make a big difference. Spend time with people who lift you up. Practice ways to manage stress. Learn something new. Each choice adds a strong piece to your foundation. Need help managing stress? Check out our Youth Stress Toolkits at https://www.standupaj.org/youthtoolkit

Step 4: Check In and Improve

Every now and then, take a step back and see if you’re on track with your blueprint. If you’re not, make adjustments. Self-care is about moving forward, not being perfect. Put this in a place where you can view and keep it in your thoughts.

This upcoming week, focus on your greatest project — you. Staying substance-free protects your health, your goals, and the future you’re working toward. You are worth the effort.