Self-Care

Self-care is the ability to promote health, prevent disease and cope with illness or disability with or without the support of a health worker.

Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional and physical wellness.

Taking care of ourselves is not a selfish act; it allows us to recharge, often leading to better academic performance, lowered stress levels and stronger social connections.

Finding What Works for You

  • Self-care is entirely individual to each person, and no two people may choose the same self-care activities. The most important component is that these activities are deliberate, done often and they leave you feeling recharged.
  • Explore some of the self-care strategies below and find which ones may be helpful.

Schedule it in

  • It’s common for self-care strategies to become a lower priority when school, work and relationships require your time and attention.
  • Try to schedule at least one self-care strategy each day, whatever your time allows.

Examples of Self-Care Strategies

  1. Try a yoga or stretching class on YouTube
  2. Go for a walk in your neighbourhood
  3. Go to bed close to the same time each night
  4. Choose foods that make you feel nourished
  5. Reach for water throughout the day
  1. Journal or brain dump on paper
  2. Practice mindfulness
  3. Talk to a therapist or a loved one
  4. Practice a new hobby or skill
  5. Spend time in nature
  6. Play with a pet or visit with a CU Therapy Dog
  1. Plan for quality time with friends or loved ones
  2. Participate in clubs or groups on campus
  3. Schedule a weekly phone date to catch up with a friend or family member
  1. Volunteer for a cause you believe in
  2. Spend time meditating or in prayer
  3. Try forest bathing
  4. Connect with a spiritual group
  5. Connect with the Spirituality Centre at Carleton

Resources