Start thinking of Self Care as Self-love in practice (instead of Selfishness or Self-indulgence)

2. Start thinking of Self Care as Self-love in practice (instead of Selfishness or Self-indulgence) Self care is not selfish, it is necessary for creating a better you and a better world. Self love is different from narcissism and is the basic building block to becoming self determined and loving other people.

7. Be Your Own Best Friend! -Be self reflective in order to develop a strong sense of self -Be honest and gentle with yourself -Allow yourself to feel in order to process, grow, and move forward -Keep a journal and/or have alone time to rejuvenate and process -Realize the ways in which you are special, strong, and valuable -Prioritize your own needs -Have fun getting to know yourself -Practice being intentional with your time and energy so that you can do what is best for you

9. Take care of your body

10. ZZZZZZZZZ… -Make sleep a priority -Try to get in the habit of having a regular sleep pattern -Make your bed/bedroom a safe and comfortable place for yourself -Allow your body to restore itself - Sleep reduces stress and depression, and increases memory and productivity!

12. Eat Well and Exercise -Always listen to your body and honor its limits and potential -Educate yourself about nutrition and exercise and come up with a plan for building healthy habits -Be patient with yourself and meet your body where it is each day -Take care of your body so that you can feel better and accomplish more -Plan snacks and meals that are nourishing and balanced -Stay hydrated! -Invest in your future by learning good habits now and by taking care of your heart, bones, lungs, liver, mind, and spirit 

13. -Make time to pursue the things that you love -Try new things even if they are out of your comfort zone -Enjoy each moment (even the ones that are not ideal) -Surround yourself with people who love, support, and celebrate you -Gravitate towards the places, activities, and people that make you feel safe, happy, alive, and at peace -

15. Reduce Stress • Take a little time each day to do something just for you • Try going for a walk, taking a bath, reading a book, pursuing a hobby, having some quiet time, or maybe even just taking a few deep breaths • Let go of thoughts and things that are negative and or destructive • Keep perspective so that small obstacles do not become more overwhelming than they need to be

16. -Trust Yourself! -Listen to your intuition -Go with your gut feeling -Believe in yourself

18. Ask for Support • If you feel that your well being is being impacted by anxiety, addiction, depression, and/or other personal struggles, connect yourself with resources that can help you • Educate yourself about resources available to you • Cultivate healthy relationships with friends, family, and your community • Remember that asking for support is a way of taking responsibility for yourself and your own happiness and overall well being

23. Expand Your Self Care! • For more tips on self care, resources, referrals, community building, and opportunities for self-education check out the Women’s Resource Center in UMC 416 • Or visit our website: http://www.colorado.edu/WomensResourceCenter/