There’s a lot of self care information out there, why should I listen to you?

Self Care Toolkit is just my story and my interpretation of the strategies out there that have helped me build resiliency over many years. I share them in the hope that I can help at least one person that is needing guidance in a time of need. There are other resources out there, and everyone’s journey is unique, take what you want, and build your own path.

Are you a trained mental health worker?

No, I am not a trained mental health worker. This is my story about what has helped me and I am sharing it in case it can help someone else. I have years of research, several coaches, and proven results from daily practice. I do recommend supplementing your toolkit with professional counselling services to help you if you are needing more guidance. All major cities have services available for all budget ranges, and many are now providing remote service for clients in need.

How do I chose what to do?

It really is trial and error. Start with what you know and like, and add something new periodically. As you continue to practice self care, your self care toolkit will grow. As you encounter different situations in life, some tools won’t be needed anymore, but you will need others to help you get through those challenges.

How long does it take?

Self care is a lifestyle, so you can expect to do it for the rest of your life. You need to implement elements of it daily, and it’s easier than it sounds. Just a few minutes a day can make all the difference in the world. If you are new to the concept of self care, it may take a few weeks before the basic strategies become more natural in your daily life, but you are worth the effort.

I’ve tried this before and failed. Why should I try it again?

Self care is a skill. It takes practice. Even if you failed before, you will see improvement if you truly give it an honest try. Don’t compare your progress with anyone else, this is your journey and each one is different.

I thought it was working, but today I feel like I’ve learnt nothing and taken 3 steps back.

This is normal and okay. We all have bad days. The key is to accept what you are feeling and use your plan to focus on little things that will improve your mood in the short-term. Self care doesn’t mean all your troubles go away, it means you can handle them better and bounce back faster. The more you continue to live this lifestyle, the easier it becomes, and in time, you will feel more fulfilled, happier, and will succeed more.

I’m on a tight budget, how am I supposed to pay for this?

The majority of the tools only require work on your part. A few techniques may require a few supplies, but you can usually find those in your home, or purchase them for a nominal fee. The point of this is to find tools you can use to make you feel better in time, not splurge on expensive things or treatments that provide fleeting satisfaction and no long-term gains. Some individuals like to invest on some things monetarily, and that is okay, as long as the benefits are sustainable, and part of a greater set of strategies.

There is so much content, I feel overwhelmed. Where do I start?

Start with the basics. You can’t process everything at once and when you are new to the self care lifestyle, it is hard to get a routine implemented. All of the articles are short and basic in order to digest the content easily. Some topics get closer attention so that you can explore them deeper when you are ready.

What do the different categories mean?

There are four categories throughout all of the posts: Basic, Developing, Advanced, Master. You can use these as a guide to the level of difficulty that the topic is.

1. Stick to Basic if you are a newcomer to self-care, this will give you some essential tools to get started.
2. Once you’ve been at it for a little while, try some of the Developing topics. You have some skills that you now understand, and are using some either daily or regularly, and you are ready to add a few more to your toolkit.
3. When you have been dedicating at least six months to your self care journey and you are ready to be fully submerged, take it to the Advanced level.
4. Finally you find yourself using the tools you have picked up in Self Care Toolkit daily to make decisions and maintain inner well-being, you are now a Master living a lifestyle of Self Care.

The categories are merely a recommendation, you are welcome to follow your own path that suits your particular needs.