March 26, 2020
By Sherina Davis and Michelle Lawrence
There is no doubt that this is a heightened and unpredictable time for each and every one of us. That’s why it is especially key to practice self-care now more than ever. In this resource guide, we are sharing a variety of compassionate, holistic, multifaceted, science-based practices to help you thrive. These self-care guides can encourage healthy online and in-person engagement, strengthen relationships, better your mental and physical health, and improve creativity.
For the purposes of this blog, let’s consider self-care as:
- The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health.
- The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.
Basics of Self-Care and How to do it Successfully
- TED Talks video playlist: The importance of self-care
- Ted Talks video: Flow, the secret of happiness
- Next Avenue: Self-care action plan
- Next Avenue: Take the Time to Better Care for Yourself: 7 steps to the self-care you need
- Next Avenue: How to Choose Self-Care Over Self-Sabotage: Making a ‘self-care upgrade’ may save your health and well-being
Self-Care Resources for Adults Concerned About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Dear Guy: “I’m incredibly anxious about Coronavirus. What can I do?”
- Colorlines: “Self-love during time of the Coronavirus”
- Well + Good: Feeling plain, old sad about everything related to COVID-19? Here are 8 ways to deal (and heal)
Self-Care Resources for Adults Working From Home or Remotely
- Purewow: 25 Totally Free Ways to Practice Self-Care at Home
- Purewow: How to Transform Your Home into a Self-Care Sanctuary
Self-Care for Adults and Caretakers of Children
- UNICEF: 6 ways parents can support their kids through the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Talking to Children About COVID-19 (Coronavirus): A Parent Resource
- PBS Parent and Educator Resources
- PBS Apps for kids
Daily Coping and Mental Health Care Resources
- 5 Ways to Celebrate Black Joy
- Steven Fund: Daily coping tips
- Colorlines: 4 Self-Care Resources for Days When the World is Terrible
- NYC Well services
Other Resources for Self-Care
Information About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- New York City Health COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Guide
- New York City 311
Inspiring Quotes
“We don’t heal in isolation, but in community.” ― S. Kelley Harrell, Gift of the Dreamtime – Reader’s Companion
“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”― Jean Vanier, Community And Growth
“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” – Audre Lorde