SELF-CARE FOR THE HEALTH CARE WORKER

Taking care of yourself is what allows you to take good care of others.

Self-care questions to gauge your emotional health:

  • Am I aware of my emotions?
    • TIP: Journaling can be one way to help you become more aware of your emotions. Taking time to do a self-check is important and essential.
  • Am I aware of how I am expressing my emotions and impacting others?
  • What is the tone of my self-talk?
      How am I talking to myself? Is my self-talk negative?
  • Are my basic human needs being met?
      Am I thirsty? Am I hungry? Am I tired?

Becoming more aware of your emotions and how you are expressing them gives you information on how to manage them. Be compassionate with yourself. Get some sleep. Start an exercise routine. Start eating better. Make good choices.

Self-management questions to ask yourself:

  • Do I have an effective way to navigate emotional triggers?
  • What is within my zone of control?
  • Am I making time for sleep, nutrition and exercise?
  • Do I have a support network, and do I give myself permission to lean on it?
  • What brings meaning and purpose to my life?

Take the Self-Care Challenge

Use our 28-day self-care challenge calendar to help you:

  • Set sleep goals (i.e., putting your phone away at a scheduled time).
  • Move for 30 minutes or more.
  • Add healthy food choices to your diet.
  • Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
  • Practice self-compassion.
  • Schedule time for yourself.
  • Journal your emotions.