It’s hard not to feel the weight of the world these days. Whether it’s conflict overseas, climate anxiety, scary news, or stress at school, it can all pile up fast. You might not even be in the middle of a conflict or crisis, but that doesn’t mean you’re not affected by what’s happening around you. That’s where self-care comes in. Some people may perceive self-care as something selfish, but that’s not true. Self-care is important for both your mental and physical health. It’s also a way to stay grounded when things feel heavy.
Self-care can be something small, like getting a smoothie after a hard class. Self-care is especially critical during exams. Exams are stressful and you need to take care of yourself while you’re studying, so that you can feel good and perform your best. You also need to take care of yourself after an exam so that you can recover and bounce back, and be ready to take on your next challenge!
The following acronym is a simple way to remember some things that you can do as a form of self-care: CARE FOR SELF. It’s a toolkit for your mind, body, and heart when the world feels like too much.
C – Connect with Loved Ones
Talk to your friends and family. Spend quality time with them and share how you’re feeling. You’re not alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. Even if you don’t feel like sharing, just spending time with people you love can help.
A – Appreciate Yourself
You’re doing your best, and that matters. Be kind to yourself and take time to recognize your strengths. You don’t need to “earn” rest or peace.
R – Reflect Regularly
Write it out, draw, or just sit and think. Making space for your emotions helps you understand and process them.
E – Engage in Rest
Take breaks. Watch a show, nap, stretch, go on a walk. It’s okay to step away and recharge.
F – Focus on Physical Well-Being
Eat something nourishing. Move your body, even a little. Sleep matters. Your body and brain are connected.
O – Opt for Mindfulness
Take deep breaths. Do a five-senses check-in or a quick meditation. These tiny pauses can help calm big stress.
R – Retain Routines
Chaos outside? Build calm inside. Try to keep regular times for meals, movement, and sleep.
S – Seek Support
If things feel too hard to handle, ask for help. Talk to a school counselor, a therapist, or a trusted adult.
E – Enjoy Hobbies
Art, music, writing, video games, etc. — doing what you love helps you reconnect with yourself.
L – Limit News & Social Media
Stay informed, but don’t doomscroll. Turn it off when you need to protect your peace.
F – Find Ways to Help
Volunteer. Support a cause. Even small acts of kindness can make a big impact—and help you feel empowered.
Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a practice, especially during hard or uncertain times. You matter, and your well-being matters — no matter what’s happening in the world.
