Take Good Care of Yourself: Week 3

It’s now been 5 weeks since we have been on campus. I imagine by now, most of us have cycled through a variety of emotions. I know that I have. This will likely continue as we face the weeks ahead. This is why it is so very important to take care of ourselves. Remember, God has created us with the capacity to manage our lives, and this is great and hopeful news because this means that we are designed by our Maker with the ability to do practical things to help ourselves through this challenging time.

I have shared with you the idea of creating weekly goals in 4 key areas: Spiritual, Relational, Mental/Emotional, and Physical. Remember, we are dynamic beings. When we neglect the care of one aspect of ourselves, it will impact the other areas of our lives. So being mindful to take care of ALL of ourselves is key.

Below are some more tips in each area. Remember, each idea won’t work for everyone. The goal here is that you begin thinking in terms of the 4 different areas of your life, begin trying different self-management strategies, and then discover what works best for you. In this way, you will emerge from this experience with a list of tools that promote your over-all wellbeing for the rest of your life!

Spiritual well-being: “Thankfulness Wall” Gratitude is a spiritual practice that reminds us that God is the Giver of all good things. And good things abound all around us, if we take the time to look. And we must if we are intent on glorifying God and enjoying the life He has given us. Even in sorrow and fear, our hearts can be thankful for morning mercies like His steadfast love and forgiveness, as well as food, shelter, family, friends, nature, etc. This week, consider making a “Thankfulness Wall,” where you use post-it-notes and fill a wall with all the things you are thankful for.

Relational well-being: “Encourage Someone” Did you know one act of encouragement can lead to better health, both for yourself and the person you are encouraging? And that acts of kindness are contagious, meaning that kindness spreads? This week, set out to specifically encourage someone each day. It can be someone in your family, someone over text, the postman, waste management, etc. Not only will the spirits of the other be lifted, but you also will feel encouraged.

Mental/Emotional well-being: “Read Inspiring Stories” Human beings are amazingly resilient. And one thing we can all do is “borrow” courage from people who have overcome extreme adversities. There are countless stories of people in terrible situations who have come out on the other side better and stronger people. Their stories can provide perspective for our current challenges, give us ideas on how to face our situations, and offer courage when we feel weak. This week, read stories of people who have overcome great adversities and “borrow” courage from their experience.

Physical well-being: “Good Sleep” Never underestimate the power of good sleep! Right now, it is easy to become lax on sleep…either by staying up way too late or sleeping during the day, when we would otherwise be doing an after-school activity. Teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep. Now is a good time to learn about sleep hygiene and to establish a routine to provide yourself with proper sleep. This promotes health in countless areas. This week, take some time to learn more about sleep hygiene and create a routine to prepare you for quality sleep.

Together we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side!

Take good care of yourself!

Mrs. Kirkland
Counselor