This assessment tool provides examples of effective self-care strategies. Each person’s set of self-care strategies will be unique to them. After completing this assessment, choose one item from each area of self-care that you want to more actively incorporate into your plan for self-care. This self-assessment tool can also help identify potential areas of self-care you could strengthen (e.g., are all your self-care techniques in the “physical” or “emotional?”). Try to build a balance of self-care strategies across the five main areas. Using the scale below, rate the following areas in terms of frequency: 1 Never Occurred to Me | 2 Never | 3 Rarely | 4 Occasionally | 5 Frequently |
Rating | Physical Self-Care |
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| Eat regularly (e.g.., breakfast and lunch) | | Eat healthfully | | Exercise | | Lift weights | | Practice martial arts | | Get regular medical care for prevention | | Get medical care when needed | | Take time off when you're sick | | Get massages or other bodywork | | Do physical activity that is fun for you | | Get enough sleep | | Wear clothes you like; that make you feel good | | Take a day trip, or mini vacations | | Get away from stressful technology such as papers, faxes, telephones, e-mail | | Other: |
Rating | Psychological Self-Care |
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| Make time for self-reflection | | Go to see psychotherapist or counsellor for yourself | | Write in a journal | | Read literature unrelated to work | | Do something at which you are beginner | | Take a step to decrease stress in your life | | Notice your inner experience-your dream, thoughts, imagery, feelings | | Let others know different aspects of you | | Engage your intelligence in a new area-go to an art museum, performance, sports event, exhibit, or other cultural event | | Practice receiving from others | | Be curious | | Say no to extra responsibilities sometimes | | Spend time outdoors | | Other: |
Rating | Emotional Self-care |
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| Spend time with others whose company you enjoy | | Stay in contact with important people in your life | | Treat yourself kindly (supportive inner dialogue or self-talk) | | Feel proud of yourself | | Reread favorite books, review favorite movies | | Identify and seek out comforting activities, objects, people, relationship, places | | Allow yourself to cry | | Find things that make you laugh | | Express your outrage in constructive ways | | Other: |
Rating | Workplace/Professional Self-Care |
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| Take time to eat lunch and do something relaxing | | Take time to chat with co-workers on breaks | | Identify projects that are exciting, growth-promoting, and rewarding for you and the children in your care. | | Build relationships but also set appropriate limits with children, families and colleagues | | Arrange your workspace so it is comfortable and comforting to you and the children | | Get regular supervision or consultation | | Negotiate for your needs | | Have a peer support group | | Network with other childhood and youth professionals | | Other: |
Rating | Spiritual Self-care |
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| Make time for prayer, meditation, reflection | | Spend time in nature | | Participate in a spiritual gathering, community or group | | Be open to inspiration | | Cherish your optimism and hope | | Sing | | Express gratitude | | Celebrate milestones with rituals that are meaningful to you | | Remember and memorialize loved ones who have died | | Nurture others | | Have awe-full experiences | | Contribute to or participate in causes you believe in | | Read inspirational literature | | Listen to inspiring music | | Other: |
Adapted from the “Self Care Assessment” provided by the Australian Family and Community Services
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