
Here are some self-care tips we have found helpful for people experiencing difficult times or situations.
PHYSICAL
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EMOTIONAL
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SPIRITUAL
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INTELLECTUAL
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SOCIAL
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Exercise regularly |
Rest |
Eat a balanced diet |
Limit “junk food” |
Drink 8 glasses of water daily |
Maintain weight in desired range |
Limit alcohol consumption |
Stop smoking |
Visit your physician for regular check-ups |
Use medications as prescribed |
Practice the relaxation response |
Control environmental stressors |
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Allow yourself to feel and express emotions: anger, sadness, gladness, fear |
Express emotions appropriately and respectfully |
Resolve conflicts |
Improve your self-awareness |
Nurture yourself/treat yourself well |
Don’t take yourself too seriously |
Work off anger with physical exercise |
Say “no” when you want to or need to |
Ask directly for what you want |
Cry |
Laugh |
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Pray |
Meditate as a religious or nonreligious practice |
“Let go” of unsolvable problems |
Go to church, synagogue or temple |
Commune with nature |
Read inspirational prose or poetry |
“Flow” with the events of life |
Appreciate the beauty of music, art |
Do something for another person |
Take one day at a time |
Clarify your values or beliefs |
Experience your self-worth |
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Ask questions |
Read |
Attend seminars |
Discuss controversial issues |
Conduct experiments/research |
Take risks |
Daydream |
Learn new skills, facts |
Consider different viewpoints |
Relabel unpleasant situations |
Develop a life plan |
Develop a career plan |
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Develop and use support systems |
Engage in hobbies |
Talk with friends and family |
Take time off/vacations |
Rehabilitate or end a bad marriage |
Rehabilitate or end unsatisfactory friendships |
Limit amount of TV viewing or watch TV with others |
Engage in creative pastimes |
Enjoy intimacy or sex |
Play with children |
Seek enjoyable ways to work |
Spend time alone |
Go out to entertaining events |
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