Definitions
The intentional practice of taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being so you can manage stress, stay healthy, and function at your best.
Self-Care
Drinking enough of this each day helps improve focus and energy.
Water
This three-digit number in the U.S. connects people to free, confidential mental health support by call or text, 24/7.
988
Give me one example of what self-care can be
Journaling, Art, Crafting, Reading, Taking a nap, making healthier food choices, talking with a friend, telling people you love them, and many, many more!
True or False: Spending time with a pet is a form of self-care.
True — interacting with pets can reduce stress, improve mood, and provide comfort and connection.
The body and mind’s natural response to demands or challenges, especially when you feel pressured, overwhelmed, or unsure how to cope.
Stress
Forgiving yourself helps release this heavy emotion.
Guit
Asking for help is a sign of this, not weakness.
Strength
This self-care habit supports better sleep, improves mood, and helps your body recharge by turning in earlier than usual.
Going to bed early
True or False: Basic hygiene (like showering or brushing your teeth) is considered self-care.
False — basic hygiene is essential daily care, while self-care goes beyond basics to support emotional, mental, and overall well-being.
The process of using thoughts, behaviors, and skills to manage stress, emotions, or difficult situations in a healthy and effective way.
Coping
This self-care practice combines gentle movement, breathing, and mindfulness to improve flexibility, strength, and relaxation.
Yoga
Setting limits to protect your time and energy is called doing this.
Boundaries
Talking to a trusted adult or friend is an example of this type of support.
Social support
True or False: Having an organized space can help you feel mentally better.
True — an organized environment can reduce stress, improve focus, and support emotional well-being.
Natural feelings that arise in response to experiences or thoughts and influence how we think, behave, and react to situations.
Emotions
Taking slow, deep breaths can help calm this system in your body.
The nervous system
Turning your phone off for a set period to protect your mental space.
Digital break
Turning your phone off for a set period to protect your mental space.
Digital break
True or False: Studies show that social media has a positive impact on mental health.
Answer: False — research shows excessive or unbalanced social media use is often linked to increased stress, anxiety, and comparison rather than improved mental health.
__________is a balanced state of physical, mental, and emotional health that supports overall well-being and quality of life.
Wellness
Sitting quietly and noticing your thoughts without judging them.
Mindfulness
Recent surveys suggest that about ___% of U.S. adults report practicing some form of self-care every day (like exercise, journaling, relaxation, or mindful breaks).
32
This technique uses your five senses to calm your mind.
Grounding technique
True or False: Scrolling on your phone at night helps you fall asleep.
False — screen light and stimulation can interfere with melatonin release and make it harder to fall asleep.