Self-care is anything we do to manage stress, meet our needs, and be the best people we can be.

Self-care is essential and unique to each of us! 它可以包括, daily choices as well as big activities, 比如练习专注力, 创造自我抚慰的方法, and building a positive self-image. Here’s how you can use the items from your self-care kit to strengthen your practice!

泡沫: Bubbles can be used to practice self-soothing breathing techniques. One way you can do this is through pursed lip breathing. This type of breathing can benefit your lungs, 平静 your central nervous system, and help reduce stress and anxiety.

• 放松你的脖子和肩膀.
• Breathe in slowly through your nose for 2 seconds, keeping your mouth closed.
• 轻轻地噘起嘴唇.
• Breathe out slowly through your lips while counting to 4.

我有个想法: Imagine that you are blowing negative 的想法/feelings into the bubble. As the bubble pops or drifts away, visualize that whatever is troubling you also disappears. Practice breathing slowly to blow bigger bubbles.

来源: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9443-pursed-lip-breathing

薄荷糖: 薄荷糖 can be used to practice mindful eating. This involves paying full attention to the senses and feelings you experience while eating; noticing colors, 气味, 听起来, 质地和口味. This can help us cope with anxiety about food and learn to appreciate our food.

我有个想法: Pop a mint in your mouth during meditation and notice what sensations come up. Reflect on how food can affect your overall well-being.

来源: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9443-pursed-lip-breathing

花草茶: Create a soothing environment for yourself by taking a moment to cozy up with a cup of tea. Slow down and notice how the tea 气味, how the warm mug feels in your hands, 还有茶的味道.

贴纸表: Place stickers with positive affirmations on them anywhere you might need them. Positive affirmations are phrases you can say to yourself to help you overcome challenging moments. This does not mean you have to deny the hardships you are going through. 而, identify affirmations that acknowledge reality, but also give you motivation/inspiration to keep moving forward.

我有个想法: Place positive affirmation stickers in your journal or planner, so that you can be reminded of them regularly!

来源: http://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-positive-affirmations-work/

迷你橡皮泥: Play Dough can be used as a fidget toy to help channel anxiety or stress. Use your creativity to see what you can mold or simply knead the dough to relieve stress and improve focus. Being creative can create a sense of 平静.

淋浴轮船: A relaxing shower can be a great ritual for self-care practice. Place the shower steamer over your shower drain and enjoy the soothing aromas. Use your favorite products, like a facemask or lotion, to create an amazing sensory experience!