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Self-care, which is the action of taking care of yourself to achieve better physical and emotional health, can help you cope with moments of stress and uncertainty.<\/p>\n
Self-care is different for everyone. Here are a few suggestions and self-care resources at BU to help you prioritize your well-being.<\/p>\n
What it Really Means to Take Care of Yourself <\/a>\u00a0Psychology Today<\/span><\/p>\n Stress and uncertainty can create many emotions. Research shows that acknowledging and labeling emotions, also referred to as affect labeling, can help reduce stress and anxiety. Labeling an emotion helps shut off the brain\u2019s alarm bells that are signaling anxiety. Read more about affect labeling here: Tame Reactive Emotions By Naming Them<\/a>\u00a0 Mindful.org<\/p>\n Healthy sleep habits can help with getting a good night\u2019s sleep. Sleep impacts our mood, memory, and energy. Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep can result in reduced productivity. Get your sleep back on track by trying the following tips.<\/p>\n For helpful sleep tips, see HelpGuide’s How to Sleep Better<\/a>, watch Strategies for Sleep in Turbulent Times<\/strong>\u00a0in the FSAO Video Library<\/a> , and check out Sleep Hygiene<\/strong> in the BU Center for Anxiety Related Disorders Coping Clips Library.<\/a><\/p>\n Mindfulness is the practice of purposefully bringing one\u2019s awareness into the present moment. Mindfulness enhances well-being, strengthens focus and improves physical health. The following are examples of ways to incorporate mindfulness into daily living.<\/p>\n From FSAO – Self-Compassion-Resources<\/a><\/p>\n To learn more about breath practices and other meditation tools for managing stress download the Headspace App. It is free to all BU Faculty and Staff. \u00a0Join here<\/a>.\u00a0 Also see a FSAO guided meditation.<\/a><\/p>\n Virtually any form of exercise, from aerobics to yoga, can act as a stress reliever. \u00a0Exercise reduces the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine and stimulates the production of endorphins, the body\u2019s natural mood booster.<\/p>\n Register for employee wellness exercise offerings through Employee Wellness <\/a>\u00a0and check out Fit Rec\u2019s Move From Anywhere video library<\/a>.\u00a0 Marsh Chapel<\/a> offers Wellness and Mindfulness programs listed on their Events calendar<\/a>. Employees enrolled in BU’s BCBS plan are eligible for a fitness reimbursement see details on the BU Human Resources<\/a> website.<\/p>\n In the field of positive psychology, the term flow state is likened to being in the zone. \u00a0It is the result of a person being fully absorbed in what they\u2019re doing with a feeling of immense focus. It involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the intentional loss of awareness of time. It can occur when you do something you really enjoy. It is commonly associated with the creative arts such as painting, drawing, or writing. However, it can also occur while engaging in a sport, such as skiing, tennis, soccer, dancing, or running. Research suggests that there is an increase in activity of dopamine (a brain chemical involved in pleasure and motivation) when people are experiencing flow. It is most important to find an activity that you enjoy and schedule a time each day to flow.\u00a0 It will be beneficial to your mood and concentration.<\/p>\n Flow: The Process of Engagement and How to Achieve Flow<\/a>\u00a0 Psychology Today<\/p>\n Self-care routines take time to develop. It can help to start small and think big. \u00a0Try simple habits such as getting up earlier, exercising each morning before you start your day, listening to inspiring podcasts\u00a0in your car or meeting a colleague for a lunchtime walk. \u00a0When creating new behavioral habits, support and accountability can help. Share your goals. Write them down and track them using these free worksheets<\/a>.<\/p>\n 6 Powerful Ways to Build New Habits.\u00a0 How strengthening your habits can strengthen your brain\u00a0<\/a> Psychology Today<\/p>\n Resources for Thriving in the New Year<\/a> \u00a0From FSAO webinar\u00a0 Thriving in 2024: A 30-Minute Guide to Cultivating Lasting Well-Being <\/strong>available for viewing in the FSAO Video Library<\/a><\/p>\nAsk Yourself How Are You Feeling?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Sleep Hygiene<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Practice Mindfulness
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Get Moving<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Find Your Flow<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Establish Small Goals<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Additional Information and Resources<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n