Tips and strategies for taking care of yourself

* Stay calm and energized by appealing to the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. For example: Listen to music that lifts your mood up, place flowers where you will see and smell them to your heart, massage your hands and feet, or sip a good drink.

* Engage in mean

ingful, creative work. Do things that challenge your creativity and make you feel productive, whether or not you get paid for it – things like gardening, drawing, singing, painting, writing, playing an instrument, fixing or building something.

* Make friends and help others. Caring for the needy makes you feel needed and loved. There is no love quite as unconditional as the love, appreciation, and honor you receive back from them. Make yourself a good friend to others. You will never find yourself lonely again.

* Make time for leisure. Go to a funny movie, take a walk on the beach, listen to music, sing your favorite songs, read a good book, or talk to a good friend.

* Make time for contemplation and appreciation. Think about the things you’re grateful for. Mediate, pray, enjoy the sunset, or simply take a moment to pay attention to what is good, positive, and beautiful as you go about your day.

Everyone is different; not all things will be equally beneficial to all people. Some people feel better relaxing and slowing down while others need more activity and more excitement or stimulation to feel better. The important thing is to find activities that you enjoy and also give you a boost.