Healing and Self-Care

Self-care is not selfish.

You cannot serve from an empty vessel.

Self-care is essential for overall health, especially after the trauma of domestic or sexual violence. It is critical in the process of healing and taking care of your body and mind. Some examples of self-care include surrounding yourself with positivity, focusing on your physical needs, rebuilding mental health, and learning how to take “time outs” when needed.

Ideas for Physical Self-Care

Eat healthy meals regularly

Drink plenty of water

Strive to get quality sleep

Exercise regularly (yoga, running, swimming, walking, horseback riding, biking, weight-lifting, dancing, etc)

Stretch

Go to the doctor

Take time off 

Get a massage

Taking vitamins

Ideas for Emotional Self-Care

Journal

Meet with a counselor

Meditate

Read books or poetry

Breathing exercises

Stay in contact with important people in your life

Let yourself truly feel your emotions 

Join a support group

Complete a puzzle or word search

Play with pets

Volunteer

Color or paint

Remember to take time for yourself and work on self-care, even if seems difficult to implement into your life. Make your self-care routine specific to your needs and interests. If you are having a hard time with self-care, consider scheduling daily self-care time in a planner or in an agenda.