Self Care

Self-care practices are essential to manage daily stresses and help through challenging times. Practicums can be stressful at times and partaking in self-care will help alleviate those stressors. By not practicing self-care you can become vulnerable to burnout which can affect your mental health, physical health and impact the relationship you have with the children and youth you are working with. Self-care will help you be your best self for yourself and the individuals you will be working with.

Build a Healthy Foundation

1.Get enough sleep and do your best to keep a consistent sleep schedule.
2.Eat a balanced diet and include fruits and vegetables.
3.Remember to drink enough water.
4.Avoid stress when possible.
5.Take breaks from your computer, phone, or social media.
6.Learn to say no it’s ok to say no if you don’t want or aren’t able to do something at the moment. Taking on too many commitments can put extra pressure on yourself and cause more stress.
7.Do something you enjoy. Participate in activities that help you destress, this may include drawing, painting, taking a walk, and exercising
(International Bipolar Foundation, 2021).

Mindfulness Exercise

Take a few slow breaths and ask yourself:
What are three things I can hear?
What are three things I can see?
What are three things I can feel?
What are three things that I can smell?
What are three things I can taste?
(Anxiety Canada, 2021)

Pay attention – Pay attention to how your feeling and why you might be feeling that way.
Live in the moment – Attempt to deliberately bring an open, tolerating and knowing regard for all that you do. Discover bliss in simple things.
Accept yourself – Treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend.
Focus on your breathing – When you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.
(Mayo Clinic, 2021)