We all know the world is quite topsy-turvy right now, because of the coronavirus (COVID-19). If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed by it all, be reassured that this is a very normal response. However, it’s important to go easy on yourself and to take time for self-care.
Self-care is anything you enjoy doing that helps make you happy and maintains your physical, mental or emotional health. It's when you take the time to take care of yourself. It can be simple everyday pleasures like soaking in the bathtub, reading a magazine or going for a run. Or bigger things like connecting with friends, cooking a meal or engaging with a hobby. For families, self-care helps parents and teens deal with life’s everyday pressures in a more positive and rewarding way.
Regular acts of self-care help keep you energised and deal with pressures well. So be kind to yourselves, sit down with the family — talk about the importance of each of you doing the things that you enjoy, that make you feel happy. Share ideas and put them in the planner or calendar. And support each other in doing them. Self-care is fun and good for you — enjoy it!
We’ve included a checklist (attached) with some ideas to get you started but there are so many possibilities out there. We encourage you to find what works for you and start making time to practice a little self-care each day.
Further resources can be found at these sites:
https://parents.au.reachout.com/skills-to-build/wellbeing/things-to-try-self-care
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/managing-my-daily-life/young-people-aged-14-25.html
You can find more details about our service, availability and how to make an appointment on the College website HERE or send an email to the team at counsellingwellbeingteam@mlmc.vic.edu.au
