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Taking Care of Me
Taking Care of Me
We often hear the term ‘self-care’ or “self compassion” in the media and in conversation with others. But what does it really mean and how is self-care helpful? Self-care is an intentional activity that refuels you, helps you feel calm and connected to your emotions and resilience. Self-care is anything you do to take care of yourself so you can stay physically, mentally, and emotionally well. Its benefits are better physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. Research suggests self-care promotes positive health outcomes, such as fostering resilience, living longer, and becoming better equipped to manage stress. Self-compassion means responding to yourself with kindness when you are experiencing a difficult time. We will support you to develop your own self-care/wellness plan and explore ways to practice self compassion, finding ways to bring focus and joy to your own needs each day.
But what does it really mean and how is self-care helpful?
Take a Break
Give your stress response a rest by taking your focus away from the stresses around you. Go for a walk, have coffee with a friend, play a game, listen to music, etc. For more tips on ways to take a mental health break, check out this article from ActiveMan: 5 Tips on How to Take a Mental Health Break – ActiveMan
Notice Your Breathing
Deep breathing helps you relax and think more clearly by lowering your heart rate and blood pressure. It’s as easy as 1,2,3.
Laugh
It’s not always easy to do when you’re in a difficult situation. Laughing helps to release tension and gets your mind off your troubles. It affects our bodies similar to when we exercise and so much more fun. Learn about Laugh Therapy.
Reach Out
Support from others is an important way to cope with stress. They can help you balance out your thoughts and put things into perspective.
Move
Physical activity is important for our physical, mental and emotional health. It improves our response to stress as it releases good chemicals in our brain.
The 4 As
When dealing with stress, our thoughts and the stories we tell ourselves can have a significant impact on our well-being. You have choices, they may not be easy, but you can learn to use the most effective one given the situation you are in.
- Accept the things (and people) you cannot change. The only thing you can ever control is yourself.
- Adapt by changing your attitudes and behaviours. Look at the big picture, adjust your expectations, think about stressors in less negative and more flexible ways.
- Avoid unnecessary stress if possible. Sometimes it means saying no and setting boundaries.
- Alter how you communicate and operate in your daily life. Express your emotions, make time for self-care, manage your time.
Do Something Just for You
Doing something we love to do can be more than fun. It can increase your sense of well-being and help you recover from stress. Singing is an easy one which releases the same feel-good chemicals in our body as exercise.
Get outside. Being out in nature has a calming effect and can reduce your stress. If you can take a walk in a wooded area where you can lose yourself in the sights, smells and sounds of nature.
Web Resources
For more information, we have compiled a list of resources to help you take care of your mental health and well-being during these difficult days.
Canadian Mental Health Association: Stress
What exactly is stress and how is it caused? The Canadian Mental Health Association provides more information on stress and how it can affect your day-to-day life.
Stress Strategies
We all cope with stress differently. But some methods are less effective than others. The Psychology Foundation of Canada breaks down some of these common strategies and provides tips for coping with stress.
Health Links – Info Santé
Health Links – Info Santé, is available to all Manitobans, operates 24/7, 365 days of the year with a team of registered nurses answering callers’ health-related questions in both English and French. To access these services, call:
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