Lesson 11: Self-care in the Mental Health Program


Attention


Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

  • Describe methods used to promote adequate self-care

Teaching

What is self-care?

Self care is active participation in enhancing the quality of your health. Some people may think that nurturing the self is only for the fragile, the weak-willed, or the slacker–it certainly couldn’t be for strong, ambitious college men and women. However, it is a vital part of maintaining good health and a vibrant life. It’s not just an occasional manicure, “chilling out” or a six-pack. Building up a repertoire of reliable self care habits now, can affect your quality of life both now and in the future.

If self care is not a manicure, then what is it? Self care is an approach to living that incorporates behaviors that refresh you, replenish your personal motivation, and help you grow as a person. It’s the equivalent of keeping your car filled with gas so that you are ready to motor any time.

The importance of good self-care

Self-care is fundamental for everyone. It is part of self-regulation, the physical and mental processes through which we create inner and outer balance. If we cannot self-regulate, we are prone to overwork, overplay, burn-out, and unhealthy living.

What is burn-out?

Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. It occurs when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands. As the stress continues, you begin to lose the interest or motivation that led you to take on a certain role in the first place.

Burnout reduces your productivity and saps your energy, leaving you feeling increasingly helpless, hopeless, cynical, and resentful. Eventually, you may feel like you have nothing more to give. In many cases, burnout stems from your job. But anyone who feels overworked and undervalued is at risk for burnout.


Here are some steps to promote good self-care! Each word in red is a link to a resource. Please visit each source and skim the resource for future reference.

1. Keep your body in balance - eat a healthy diet, stay active, and get adequate rest

2. Manage your emotions - know your coping habits, reduce stress, and get mindful

3. Flourish in work and school - manage your time, get organized, and prevent burnout

4. Enjoy your relationships - your family and friends are there to support you

5. Be creative or spiritual - don't lose sight of the things that feed your soul


Assessment

Lesson 11 Discussion

What does self-care mean to you? What forms of self-care do you already practice or what activities would you like to do in order to promote good self-care? Describe some from the list presented in the graphic above.