Sharing your story can be very vulnerable and exhausting. It is extremely important to prioritize yourself, ensuring that you are living in your most fulfilling and healthy ways. Below are some ideas for self-care management from some other storytellers. These activities have an emphasis on virtual and personal activities that are accessible.

Six Ways To Practice Self-Care

Mental

There are so many things, big and small, that occupy our minds on a daily basis. It's important to take some time and steps to clear your head!

Music can help: Try out this playlist on SpotifyLo-Fi Hip Hop Radio- the one 24/7 live Youtube station filled with relaxing beats.

Play soothing games online: Sudoku is a good example.

Physical

You only get one body in this lifetime! Make sure to take care of it, so you can be the best version of yourself.

Water: the recommended water intake for adults is 8 glasses of water (8 oz) per day. Increase your water intake to feel good!

Technically, also water: take a bath! Hot baths with epsom salts are a great way to de-stress and relax your body. Add some music and maybe some candles, and use this time to be away from a screen.

Spiritual

Another tip we get a lot: it can be good to lean on things that are bigger than ourselves. Whether this be religious or not, take some time to practice your beliefs.

Resources: we are living in unprecedented times. Here are some resources for grief support from the Harvard Divinity School.

Self-Compassion:Check out this guide to mindful self-compassion during COVID-19 by CMSC 

Practical

Ensuring your home environment and day-to-day activities are settled and full is important. Doing practical things to make each day easier and safer is a great way to practice self-care.

Make your bed! It will be nice to have a clean space throughout the day, and will give you a nice place to wind down at the end of the day.

Routines can help. During this time, it may be helpful to try to stick to a routine as much as possible. Adobe Spark has a free schedule maker.

Emotional

You can't pour from an empty cup! Make sure you are prioritizing your emotions as part of self-care.

Write. Keep a journal or personal blog post to write down your thoughts and feelings throughout the day.

Take a screen break. Go through a social media cleanse - unfollow accounts that don’t make you feel good.

Ground yourself. Just like you're supporting others, they want to support you so we can all take the time we need. There's no limit on that time, either!

Social

Humans are social creatures! Whether you are an introvert or extrovert, take some time to stay connected with the loved ones in your life.

Schedule it. Take some time to call your loved ones- build some time in your schedule!

Snail mail! It may be nice to send and receive letters from your friends. Whether you live close or far away, writing a letter is a different mode of communication that doesn't happen very often.

We'll keep adding ideas, resources, and tips to this page and are grateful to be in community with you all.