Self-Care Challenge

9 STRATEGIES TO CARE FOR YOURSELF

1. MEDITATE

*Mindful activities have been proven to change the structure and function of the brain. Mindfulness is also an effective way to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Need help getting started?! YouTube is a great resource! Also, check out meditation or mindfuless apps--like Headspace. My daughters enjoy moshi (if you have younger children at home).

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGYeWtdm9GXYcdgkLph9Rcw has a 0/21 day "bootcamp" that helps kids--and adults learn to relax.

2. EXERCISE

If you've worked with me before. You know how important mindfulness and exercise is. I know some of you hate it--you may have hated me for it--but no one could say they felt worse afterwards ;). Working out may look a little different for you, or it's been so foreign you're not even sure where to begin. The thing is--get that heart rate up! Commit to a little exercise each day. Take a walk. Follow an online workout, or even do some yard work (gross...that wouldn't be me). Exercise is a natural way to help decrease depression and anxiety...and if you need a workout buddy--I'm here! I need extra motivation too sometimes! (AND yes it would be zoom workout, but it makes it easier when you aren't alone, and you can laugh together! I want to hear--how will you get creative to include exercise in your self-care plan!

3. Get SOME SLEEP! I ask my students how they are sleeping every time we talk. I've noticed so many of us aren't on our normal sleep schedule--and that can throw us off. Use this increase in down-time to develop healthy sleep habits you can stick to. Sleep deprivation can negatively impact our thought processes, our mood, and our overall health. Most young people need 8-9 hours of sleep to function at their best. So challenge yourself and chart your sleep--How much sleep do you get? Chart it for a week and adjust if needed!

4. Get organized

5. GET CREATIVE! There are so many ways to be creative. Keep a journal, write a book, write poetry, paint, sketch, dance (my all time fave). Creativity is an amazing way to work on your mental health, and a great way to calm your emotional state and express your moods. What is your favorite creative outlet? And what knew ones have you tried?! I cannot wait to hear--and see all of the things you guys continue to create.

6. Connect with your friends. Zoom meetings aren't just for class. Have zoom meetings with your friends--game together, watch your favorite tv show, eat lunch or dinner together. You will also find zoom meetings throughout the week, hosted by me--or another staff member--that anyone student can join.