Self-Care for Children and Young People
Sometimes, when you’re struggling, it can be hard to know how to look after yourself. You might have had a bad day, or you could be going through a difficult situation. You know you don’t feel as happy, or maybe as full of energy as usual, but you don’t know what to do about it. This is where self-care comes in to things.
What is self-care?
Self-care is when you actively do something to take care of yourself and to improve your health and mental well-being. If you choose to take part in an activity to help your mental, emotional or physical health, you are doing something to take care of yourself. It seems like a simple concept, but it is one that we can very often overlook. Good self-care is key to reducing stress and anxiety, and also helps to improve your relationship with yourself.
It is also important for you to know what self-care isn’t.
It is not something you should feel like you have to do, or something that you are forcing yourself to take part in. Sometimes, what works for one person, might not necessarily work for another. This is because we are all unique, and different things help each of us to feel happy and healthy again. As stated by Agnes Wainman, self-care is “something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.”
Why you should be doing it!
Being a human can be tough. Our lives are filled with daily pressures that surround us and effect each of us in different ways. We should all be taking action to help limit the effects that day-to-day life can have on us. As the saying goes, ‘it’s good to be good to yourself’!
By practicing self-care, you are learning more about yourself, helping you to understand the things that make you feel passionate and inspired. It allows you to increase your self-knowledge and will enable you to be more productive.
Different types of self-care activities
Self-care is different for everyone, as there is no right or wrong way to do it. As long as you find something that works for you in a positive way, it will help to make a difference. There are a variety of different activities that you can do to help take care of yourself. We have listed some of our favourite ideas below to get you started.
- Reading – reading a book is all consuming. If you pick the right one, you will be transported into a whole new world, rooting for the characters you love, wishing the worst for the ones you hate, and relishing every last word. If you are affected by overthinking and feeling overwhelmed, pick up a book. Start slow. Read whatever takes your interest!
- Music – listening to music can be one of the easiest ways for you to unwind, chill out and take some time for self-care. Music is great because it comes in all shapes and forms! There is music for all occasions, moods and seasons – so it shouldn’t take long for you to find something you enjoy.
- Nature – spending time outdoors can be a great self-care tool. Taking yourself away from the hustle and bustle of every day life can benefit your health and well-being. You could take a walk through a local park, or maybe even visit your nearest nature reserve. Whatever it is you about nature, get out and see it (or do it)!
- Writing – Storytelling and writing can be a great way for you to take your mind off things. You could write a fictional story, or perhaps even start a journal. Writing stories can be a great way for you to explore your creative side! If you choose to start a journal, you might find that writing about your thoughts and feelings helps you understand them more!
More Self-care Ideas
If none of the ideas we’ve suggested above appeal to you, don’t worry! There are plenty of other things you can do if you need a little bit of time for self-care. We’ve put together a whole bunch of ideas that you could consider trying! Just take a look at some of them below. We hope you manage to find something that works for you!
Get in Touch
You can call, text or WhatsApp Rachael on 07938 575 738; or send an email to foster@lorimerfostering.com. If you would prefer us to call you, please submit your details using the form below; and we’ll get back to you soon!
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