If you think that self-care and self-compassion are just for people who suffer from mental illness, think again! No matter who we are, or how organized we may feel, our lifestyles are only as sustainable as our self-care habits. Self-care isn’t selfish! Not only does self-care help you to stay grounded and more resilient in the face of life’s challenges, but it also makes you a positive role model for maintaining a healthy attitude of compassion & love towards self. This seemingly small act can have a profound effect on those around you when they witness firsthand that caring for yourself and taking time to re-charge actually makes you calmer, stronger, and more capable.

For more insight into developing your own self-care, check out the resources below!

Looking Glass Resources

What Self-Care Really Means: Our ED therapist, Kaela, looks at what self-care really means beyond what is typically associated with the term.

The Art of Self-Care: This Looking Glass blog outlines the importance of self-care and offers suggestions including connecting with nature, mindfulness/meditation, authenticity, and boundary setting.

The Role of Self-Care in Recovery: "Self-care is a really popular term right now in the wellness world and it feels like everywhere we turn we keep getting told that it’s the solution to most things. In reality, I stand behind self-care being a critical part of recovery. Not because a bath (or any other form of self-care) is the answer to your struggles, rather because learning to engage in a respectful and kind way towards yourself is what turns your relationship with yourself from destructive to healthy."

 

External Resources

Self-Care Starter Kit: A comprehensive guide to help you determine what your self-care needs are, and how to meet them effectively.

Let It Out: A Journey Through Journaling by Katie Dalebout - This book is divided into 7 sections and provides journaling prompts and exercises on diverse topics including working through fear, creating change, dealing with stress, and finding presence.

9 Ways to Practice Self-Care for Your Mind: This article from Raw Beauty Talks, talks about the necessity of self-care and offers suggestions including talking to yourself like someone you love, keeping a gratitude journal, reading, finding time for silence, finding things to look forward to (and planning for them), prioritizing sleep, and setting boundaries (learning to say no).

Journaling is Not My “Thing” : Learn more about the use of journaling in recovery, including writing, using scrapbooking, or drawing as a method of processing your feelings.

From A Former Journaling Hater: How Journaling Increased My Happiness and Reduced My Anxiety: This article talks about the powerful practice of journaling as a form of self-care.

Self-Care While Helping A Friend: Read about the importance of taking care of yourself while supporting someone who is struggling. Suggestions include finding balance, setting boundaries, remembering your own needs, etc.