Finding Support

Everyone handles stress differently and it's important to be kind and compassionate with yourself as well as with one another.  Below are some ideas that you may find helpful:

Things you can do to support yourself:

• It’s important to find a balance between staying informed and taking breaks from consuming news, including social media. While staying aware of what’s happening in the world is valuable, constant exposure can increase stress and overwhelm. Giving yourself permission to step back and disconnect for a while can help you recharge and maintain your mental well-being.
• Take care of your body. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.  Try to get plenty of rest, exercise, and eat well-balanced meals.  
• Think about self-care through the lens of the senses—what feels comforting, tastes delicious, looks beautiful, smells refreshing, and sounds soothing.  Here are some sensory-focused self-care ideas:
  • Touch: Wrapping up in a soft blanket, taking a warm bath, ask for a hug, or feeling the sun on your skin.
  • Taste: Savoring a favorite tea, indulging in a nourishing meal, or slowly enjoying a piece of chocolate.
  • Sight: Watching the sunrise, surrounding yourself with colors that bring joy, or having items around you that you enjoy looking at or remind you of positive experiences.
  • Smell: Lighting a scented candle, diffusing essential oils, or stepping outside for fresh air.
  • Sound: Listening to calming music, the sound of rain, or engaging in silence to reset your mind.
• Remember, self-care also means setting boundaries and saying 'no' when necessary.  Self care's true power often lies in the small, everyday moments rather than grand gestures that may be difficult to fit into our lives.
• Make time for the activities you enjoy.
• Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.  Reach out to friends and be in community with others.
• Take note of things you are grateful for and look for opportunities to laugh & play with loved ones.