Here are some Self Care tips from a recent course I was involved in with Waythrough, a mental health charity in Surrey.

Listen to Your Needs: Notice how you are feeling, what do your mind and body need? Do you need rest, sleep, food or drink, connection with other people, exercise, or a creative outlet for example?

Find a Relaxation Technique: Practicing a relaxation technique that you enjoy and fits into your routine, even if you only spend 5 or 10 minutes a day, eg deep breathing, yoga or mindfulness, can really help reduce stress and bring you back into a relaxed and calm state.

Set Boundaries: Learn to say "No" to activities or people that drain your energy. Instead, say YES to yourself by spending your time on activities and with people that restore you.

Be Creative: Express your creativity by finding an activity you enjoy such as colouring, drawing, crochet, DIY, writing or playing an instrument/singing. We are all creative beings and can become healthily absorbed and relaxed by engaging this part of our brain, as well as giving ourselves a sense of achievement and purpose.

Spending time outdoors: As humans we are designed to be amongst nature. Spending time outdoors, especially in green space, is great for our wellbeing and physical health.

Exercise: Exercise stimulates and releases chemicals in the body which reduce depression and anxiety, calming the nervous system.

Establish a routine: Incorporate a routine so that self care becomes a normal part of your daily schedule.

I hope this is helpful in explaining what self care really is and how it can help us so much in our day to day lives. If we are able to practice regular self care we will increase our resilience in times of stress and difficulty.