Self-care is often the first thing that gets sacrificed when life is busy and stressful, and people often think that taking time for themselves seems indulgent. But looking after your own wellbeing will help you get through this challenging time, and will help you to better care for others.
Amidst the confusion and constant stream of information due to COVID-19, a self-care plan can help you focus, make decisions and stay healthy.
“Please put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others!” Many of us have heard this important rule on flight safety recordings but it’s a useful phrase to remind us about the importance of self-care – if you don’t look after yourself first, you won’t be able to help yourself or others.
For more Black Dog Institute (BDI) resources to reduce the incidence of mental illness and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy lives possible, visit the BDI Hub.
What is self-care?
Self-care refers to the activities and practices that we deliberately choose to engage in on a regular basis to maintain and enhance our health and wellbeing.
Self-care helps to prevent stress and anxiety.
By incorporating self-care activities into your regular routine, like going for a walk or socializing with friends, you give your body and mind time to rest, reset, and rejuvenate, so you can avoid or reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Self-care makes you more effective.
When you take time for yourself and give your body the food, rest, and activity it needs, you will actually have more energy to meet the demands of daily life – however unusual they might be. Bringing more balance to your daily routine will help you be more productive and more resilient to stressors.
Create your own self-care plan
Learn how to build your own daily self-care plan by downloading our template below. It will guide you through the 4 steps of self-care planning:
- Step 1 | Evaluate your coping skills
- Step 2 | Idenitfy your daily self care needs
- Step 3 | Reflect. Examine. Replace.
- Step 4 | Create your self-care plan
Download the self-care planning fact sheet and template
Re-published with the permission of Black Dog Institute.
Learn more about the FFA and Black Dog Institute partnership.
