Self care
How many of us take the time to practice self-care?
We know what we should be doing to take care of ourselves but how many of us really embed self-care into our daily routines?
Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately to take care of our mental, emotional and physical health and this is unique to each individual. Although it's a simple concept in theory, it's something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to reducing stress and anxiety and improving and sustaining our overall wellbeing.
Practicing self-care isn’t always easy. Most of us say we are too busy and me-time is usually last on the agenda. Worse still, we can sometimes feel guilty about taking the time required to take care of ourselves. So getting started with self-care can be challenging but to help you start your wellbeing journey, we have developed a new Personal Wellbeing Plan.
If we actively complete our own wellbeing plan, it can help us reflect on what self-care strategies work best for us and implement them in our regular routine boosting your wellbeing not only today but forever.
This is your plan to use your way for your own personal wellbeing and you can adapt it or update it as many times as you need. Find out what works for you and use the plan to help recognise your triggers or warning signs that you need to invest time in yourself.
Build your own personal wellbeing plan
You can use this plan as a tool to manage your health and wellbeing needs in a way that works for you.
Knowing what helps us stay well, benefits our overall wellbeing and ensures you have practical steps in place to help when times are difficult.
Have a look at some of the ideas below on how to manage your wellbeing and build your own Personal Wellbeing Plan:
If you are unable to print the plan or wish a supply printed, please contact HealthandSafety@east-ayrshire.gov.uk.
Remember, this is your personal plan so pick as many or as few as you need.
Practical things
Practical things you can do to improve your wellbeing:
- breathing exercises
- take a break from what you are doing
- phone someone to talk through your feelings
- dance for three minutes to your favourite song
- go for a walk
- do something you enjoy
- eat nutritional healthy food
Activities
Activities you can introduce into your daily routine to maintain good wellbeing:
- walking
- having regular ‘me’ time
- colouring-in
- crossword
- learn something new
- ensure you have regular meals
- soak in a bath
- cycling
- reading a book
- jigsaw
- cooking
- volunteering
- listening to music
- gardening
Socially connecting
How you can socially connect with people:
- phone friends or family
- set up a WhatsApp group
- join an online social group
- join a regular online class
- send a text
- meeting someone for a walk
- arrange regular virtual catch-ups
Improving sleep
- download a sleep app
- stop ‘blue screen use’ one hour before bed
- practice mindfulness or meditation
- have a structured bedtime routine
- reduce caffeine two hours before bedtime
- have a relaxing bath
- try some gentle Yoga
- limit food and alcohol late at night
Help and support
If you need further help, support or guidance go to East Ayrshire Wellbeing.