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