Put self-care into practice
The state of our mental health and well-being fluctuates from day to day and from week to week as we process the events unfolding around us. While we cannot control the obstacles we face, we can put simple practices in place to care for ourselves and cope with daily stressors.
Review the following self-care practices, and consider which ideas could benefit your outlook and well-being.
- Boost your self-confidence by completing a task that plays to your strengths. Then move on to something more difficult once you have shown yourself that you can take the first step.
- Practice thankfulness with a gratitude journal. Write three to five things you are grateful for each day.
- Make room for creativity by testing out a new recipe, project or hobby. Creativity has been positively linked to well-being.
- Laugh out loud to decrease stress and produce joy. You can do this by spending time with friends, watching your favorite comedy or telling someone your favorite joke.
- Get ahead by meal prepping or selecting your work outfits in advance. Not only will you save yourself some brain space in the morning, but you will also feel more in control of your day.
- Explore your home. You do not have to wait for an official vacation to make wonderful memories. Make a Dallas bucket list and become an at-home tourist to appreciate what is around you.
- Prioritize your loved ones by scheduling a game night or planning a dinner. Research has shown that people are more likely to feel happy when they spend time with friends and family.
- Spend time in nature to increase your energy and boost your health. Whether you take a 30-minute walk through your neighborhood park or explore a new trail, the fresh air will help you feel healthier.
- Hang out with a pet. Spending time with animals can lower your cortisol levels and increase your oxytocin levels, leaving you feeling happier and less stressed.
- Get a good night’s sleep by turning your thermostat to a cooler temperature, avoiding screens right before bed and sticking to a regular sleep schedule.
Start small and challenge yourself to turn one or two of these practices into daily habits. If you need support, ask a friend, family member or co-worker to join you and help keep you accountable.
You can also take advantage of Dallas ISD’s Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks. This confidential, secure platform has counselors on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as well as countless other resources and mental health tips that are available to staff at no cost. Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000 or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information.
*Source: Mental Health America
