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Here are 10 effective strategies worth trying during times of stress, trauma, or crisis to help you cope and heal

Regardless of what you're going through, self-care is important

What is self-care?

"Any intentional actions you take to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health." In times of stress, trauma, or crisis, practicing self-care can help manage your health. While self-care isn't the be-all and end-all to dealing with stress, it can be a valuable recovery tool.

I once read something that said, "It's not the hard times that define you, it's how you respond." One important tool when it comes to dealing with personal challenges is self-care.

Getting Moving:
Exercise for Every Mood and Lifestyle

No need to run a marathon—your exercise can be as gentle or as vigorous as you like. No gym? No problem! Take a stroll around the block, follow a yoga video online, climb stairs at a nearby track, window-shop at the mall, or power clean your home. There are countless ways to boost your endorphins and brighten your mood, no matter your preference or schedule.

Lift Your Spirits by Helping Others

Give yourself permission to focus beyond your own concerns. Making someone else feel good is a powerful way to brighten your own mood. Consider volunteering or simply reaching out to an old friend or family member to share kindness and light up their day.

"Give and get physical touch:
A hug can do wonders"

Physical touch, like a warm hug, releases feel-good hormones that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It creates a sense of safety, connection, and calm that can brighten your mood and improve overall well-being. Never underestimate the power of a simple embrace to heal and uplift.

Give Yourself Permission to Feel

Allow yourself time in the day to acknowledge when you're feeling down. Remember that your emotions are normal and valid—everyone experiences good days and bad days. The hardest thing you can do is to criticize yourself for feeling low; instead, be kind and gentle, knowing that being human includes all these feelings.

Embrace Joy:
Give Yourself Permission to Feel Good

Everyone finds joy in different ways—just be mindful to choose activities that nourish rather than harm. Whether it’s enjoying a scoop of ice cream, watching a favorite movie, or laughing at a silly joke, allow yourself those moments of happiness. During tough times, it’s common to hold back joy because it feels undeserved or inappropriate, but remember, it’s perfectly okay to laugh and feel good, even if just for a little while.

Structure Your Day:
Build a Routine That Works

Balancing time for friends, family, work, and play can feel overwhelming—even on your best days. When life gets busy or stressful, simple things like lunch or quiet moments often get overlooked. To ease the pressure, set reminders on your phone or calendar for meetings, breaks, vitamins, and tasks. If you prefer, try using a paper planner or a large calendar to organize and structure your day. Developing a routine helps create stability and supports your mental well-being.

Discover Meaningful Practices to Nourish Your Mind and Soul

Engage in practices that truly resonate with you—whether it’s prayer, a peaceful walk in nature, quiet reflection, reading uplifting material, taking a relaxing bath, or journaling your thoughts. These meaningful moments help center your mind, reduce stress, and nurture your emotional well-being.

The Power of Connection:
Balancing Alone Time with Social Interaction

Take regular breaks to escape extended periods of isolation. While alone time is important, setting a timer for yourself to step outside, breathe fresh air, and reconnect with others can support your mental and emotional well-being.

Recharge Your Mind and Body with Quality Sleep

Getting plenty of restful sleep is essential to feeling refreshed and relaxed. To improve your sleep, try turning off screens an hour before bedtime, enjoy a cup of decaf tea, and incorporate gentle exercise, stretching, or calming music to help your body unwind and prepare for a peaceful night.

Make Self-Care a Daily Habit,
Not Just a Crisis Response

Taking care of yourself when you're feeling low can be challenging, as activities like exercise or seeing a doctor may seem overwhelming or unimportant in those moments. That's why integrating self-care into your daily routine is vital. When you maintain healthy habits during good times, it becomes easier to rely on them when crises arise.

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