Self-Care Tips

Regularly keep in touch with people you trust:

• Call, text or visit friends and family to connect on a personal level.
• Use FaceTime or Zoom to express your feelings and laugh (which lets pent up feelings go).
• If you have young ones in your life, read them a story or play a game.

Research shows that the way we think about a stressful situation can affect how we cope and our mental health. Changing the way you think about the stressful situation can help decrease your stress. It doesn’t mean ignoring your stress – it just means focusing more on the positive. With practice, this can help you cope with stressful situations in the future.

• Practice positive self-talk. You might think, “Being alone all the time is just too sad. I’ll never get through this.” Instead, try “I’ve been through challenging times before, and I am strong enough to make it through this.”
• Do something that gives you a sense of accomplishment. For example, take a walk, garden, clean, read, listen to a favorite song/ album/podcast or try a new recipe.
• Try to remember a specific happy memory in detail. That will help you feel good now.

For more tips on practicing positive thinking, visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Nurture your mind, body and spirit by finding ways to take care of yourself!

• Make time to do things that you enjoy, like a favorite hobby.
• Reading novels, listening to audiobooks and watching movies are great ways to unwind and enjoy the fun of storytelling.
• Put on some of your favorite music, close your eyes and listen without distractions or talking. Focusing only on the music can help soothe you and calm your mind.
• Try meditation. Sit and focus on your breathing. Try breathing in as you count to five, hold your breath for a count of six, and then release your breath as you count to seven. You can start with five minutes and slowly increase your time. Doing this a few times is a quick way to feel more relaxed. Or you can do a guided meditation:
  • Search for a guided meditation online (e.g., YouTube).
  • Download a free app, such as:
    • Calm - For sleep, meditation and relaxation.
    • My Life Meditation - Helps you stop, breathe and think clearly.
• Listen to podcasts that support self-care on Spotify, Apply Podcasts or Google Podcasts.
• Eat well. Keep a food journal to track your healthy eating efforts and jot down your intentions to become mindful of what you’re eating.
• Get enough sleep. The recommendation for adults is eight to ten hours every night. Stay away from screens right before bed to get the best quality of sleep.  
• Exercise daily. If you’re busy or feeling tired, try 10-15 minutes. A little exercise can go a long way.
• Consider making a change or reduction in your use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, in order to reduce negative impacts.
• Go outside. Go for a walk or a hike with a nice view, such as along the water. Learn more about the San Mateo County free parks pass. If you can't get outside, sit near a window with natural light and focus on the sounds you hear.