you can't pour from an empty cup
Self Care and Calming Strategies
5 Self-Care Practices for Every Area of Your Life
"Self-care isn't just about finding ways to relax. It's about taking care of yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually." This article discusses 5 areas you should look at in order to improve self-care practices and helps you get started with ideas of how to move toward better self-care. [article]
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Excellent resources on creating a self-care plan, including a link to an assessment to help you recognize what you are already doing and look for areas where you might be imbalanced. [article and assessments]
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More information on creating a self-care plan specific to your needs. [article]
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Guided Relaxation Videos
Here's a calming 10-minute guided relaxation. [YouTube video]
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Try this guided visualization from the National Institute of Mental Health (guided visualization starts at 5:00). The more often you practice it, the better you will get at making use of it. [YouTube video]
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A longer 15-minute guided visualization with nature sounds in the background. [YouTube video]
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Guided body scan for relaxation. [YouTube video]
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Self-Care for Caregivers
How to Practice Self-Care as a New Mom. [article]
Elder Caregiver Resources from the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging [website]
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Faith-Based Resources
Learning to Rest on the You've Heard it Said Podcast by Life.Church [podcast]
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"Work + rest accomplishes more than work alone" and increases efficiency
A Word About Online Resources
My hope is to share resources here that are useful. Although I do my best to keep information current, it is possible for links to become outdated or for material to change. A link is not an endorsement of a particular person or organization, nor do I receive any incentives from them.
Keep in mind that these resources are not specific to your situation and therefore are not therapy or a substitute for mental health services. Please consult your therapist, physician, or other professional support for advice that is specific to you, and call your local 24-hour helpline (988) if you are in crisis.