How can you prioritize self-care during times of stress?

1 Identify your stressors

The first step to prioritize self-care is to identify what causes you stress and how it affects you. Stressors can be external, such as work, family, or financial issues, or internal, such as your thoughts, feelings, or expectations. You can use a journal, a calendar, or an app to track your stress levels and triggers over time. This will help you recognize the patterns, sources, and signs of stress in your life and how they impact your mood, energy, and behavior.

2 Set healthy boundaries

The second step to prioritize self-care is to set healthy boundaries with yourself and others. Boundaries are the limits you establish to protect your time, energy, and resources from being drained or exploited. You can set boundaries by saying no to requests or tasks that are not essential, realistic, or aligned with your values and goals. You can also communicate your needs and preferences clearly and respectfully, and avoid people or situations that cause you unnecessary stress or conflict.

3 Practice relaxation techniques

The third step to prioritize self-care is to practice relaxation techniques that can help you calm your mind and body. Relaxation techniques are methods that reduce the effects of stress on your nervous system and promote a state of rest and recovery. Some examples of relaxation techniques are deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, tai chi, or massage. You can choose the ones that suit you best and practice them regularly, especially before or after stressful events.

4 Engage in enjoyable activities

The fourth step to prioritize self-care is to engage in enjoyable activities that can boost your mood and motivation. Enjoyable activities are things that make you happy, fulfilled, or satisfied, such as hobbies, interests, passions, or social interactions. You can schedule some time every day or week to do something that you love or that challenges you in a positive way. You can also try something new or different that sparks your curiosity or creativity.

6 Be kind to yourself

The sixth and final step to prioritize self-care is to be kind to yourself and treat yourself with compassion and respect. Being kind to yourself means that you acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses, accept your mistakes and failures, and forgive yourself and others. It also means that you avoid self-criticism, comparison, or judgment, and that you celebrate your achievements and progress. You can practice self-kindness by using positive affirmations, gratitude, or rewards, and by finding ways to express your feelings and needs in a constructive manner.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?