By Jingyuan Sun, Fanshawe College, Early Childhood Leadership. Jingyuan wrote this during her Parents2Partners internship. She believes strong leaders and educators build positive connections with colleagues and families so children can grow up healthy.
Parents, caregivers, and working adults often put themselves last. Self care is not selfish. It gives you the energy and patience to care for others. Try these simple habits and keep the ones that work for you.
Care for your body
- Protect your sleep. Aim for 7 to 9 hours. A relaxing bedtime routine and a screen free hour before bed help.
- Move every day. A walk, yoga, dancing, or the gym all lift your mood and lower stress.
- Eat to fuel yourself. Choose foods that give you steady energy.
- Stay hydrated. Carry a refillable water bottle as a reminder.
- Keep up with checkups. Regular visits with your health care provider catch problems early.
Care for your mind
- Plan it in. Put self care on your daily schedule, like reading, exercise, or time with loved ones.
- Practice gratitude. Write down a few things you are thankful for each day.
- Set realistic goals. Break big goals into small steps and celebrate small wins.
- Practice mindfulness. Deep breathing, meditation, or simply being present can calm stress.
- Unplug. Take regular breaks from social media, work messages, and screens.
Care for your heart
- Learn to say no. It is okay to turn down extra tasks when your plate is full.
- Nurture relationships. Time with people you love supports you through hard times.
- Make time for hobbies and creativity. Painting, writing, cooking, or music can bring joy and relief.
- Get outside. A walk in the park or time in a garden boosts wellbeing.
- Be kind to yourself. Speak to yourself the way you would speak to a friend, and make room for laughter and fun.
Ask for help when you need it
If you are struggling, talk with someone you trust or a trained counselor. Reaching out is a sign of strength.
Self care looks different for everyone. Experiment until you find what helps you feel your best.