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Self-care can mean many things—there are over 100 ways to define it! You might also hear it called self-efficacy, self-treatment, or wellness practices. No matter the name, it’s about taking small steps to care for your mind and body. There are lots of things out there that are called self-care; finding what works for you is important.

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Here are some ideas to get you started. Click the links to explore more resources and ideas for each practice.

Try Deep (Belly) Breathing

Deep breathing is a quick and easy way to calm your body.

• Stress is your body’s response to danger (real or imagined)

• It can make your heart race and your breathing fast and shallow

• This is called the “fight-or-flight” response

Deep breathing can help you relax:

• It slows your breathing

• It calms your mind and body

• It helps you feel more in control

How to try it:

1. Put one hand on your belly

2. Breathe in slowly through your nose

3. Feel your belly rise (not your chest)

4. Breathe out slowly through your mouth

5. Repeat for a few minutes

This is also called diaphragmatic breathing—it helps move your body from stress to calm.

Dive Deeper and read about three different breathing exercises to try: 

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude means noticing the good things in your life.

• It can help you feel happier

• It builds resilience (your ability to bounce back)

• It may reduce stress and depression

Try this:

• Write down 3 things you’re thankful for

• Tell someone “thank you.”

Looking for more gratitude? Get some additional advice on getting started, or just grab a pen.

Spend Time in Nature

Being in nature is great for your health.

It can lower:

• Stress

• Blood pressure

• Anxiety and depression

It can improve:

• Sleep

• Memory

• Focus

• Sense of belonging

Quick ideas to Spend Time Outside:

• Step outside for a few minutes and breathe deeply

• Look out a window

• Keep plants nearby

Longer ideas:

• Go for a walk or hike

• Sit in a park

• Try gardening or birdwatching

Can’t Get outside? Try Listening to nature sounds!

Try a Grounding Technique

Grounding helps you stay in the present moment.

• Use your senses (what you see, hear, smell)

• Focus on what’s around you right now

• This can help when you feel overwhelmed

Tips:

• Practice often, even when you’re feeling OK

• Keep it simple (no judging your thoughts)

• Rate how you feel before and after (1–10)

Want to Try it Out? Here are 5 grounding exercises you can do (almost) anywhere.

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Start Small! You don’t need to do everything at once. Try one idea today—step outside, write a gratitude note, or take a few deep breaths. Small steps can make a big difference.

*Resources coming soon!*

Working in a nursing home, hospital, or care setting can be very rewarding. But losing a resident or patient can be hard. It’s okay to feel this loss.

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What Is Grief?

Grief is a natural way your body and mind respond to loss. It shows the pain of losing someone.

Grief can feel different for everyone.

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Emotional feelings:

• Sadness

• Anger

• Anxiety

• Guilt or shame

• Sometimes even relief

Physical signs:

• Feeling very tired

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Tightness in your chest

Thinking (mental) changes:

• Feeling shocked or in disbelief

• Trouble focusing

• Forgetfulness

Spiritual questions:

• Thinking about life and death

• Questioning meaning or purpose

Behavior changes:

• Wanting to be alone

• Feeling restless

• Avoiding reminders of the person

Ways to Cope with Grief

Here are simple ways to care for yourself:

1. Acknowledge the loss—what happened is real

2. Give yourself time to grieve

3. Notice and express your feelings

4. Adjust your routine if needed

5. Try to find meaning in your work and life

6. Reach out for support from others

Learn More About Grief and How You Can Help Team Members. 

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Be Kind to Yourself

Grief takes time. There is no “right” way to feel. Small steps—like talking to someone or taking a break—can help you heal.

*Resources coming soon!*