Week 1: Connect With Yourself

Connecting with yourself can help you understand your personal needs for strong mental well-being.

This week, take a moment to check in with yourself without distractions from work, family, technology, or other demands. Think about your needs and ask yourself if you are meeting them.

As stewards of all God has provided, this includes being good stewards of our own mental and physical health. Life can get hectic with work, family needs, and quality and not so quality time together. It is easy to ignore the body indicators of stress – a tense neck, poor sleep, and feeling irritable to name a few. Take time to focus on the way your body feels. If you are noticing physical signs of stress, try to find healthy ways to start, renew, or maintain habits that help you take care of yourself.

The COVID-19 Wellness Pocket Guide provides tips and ideas for taking care of yourself and your family.

Prioritize your mental health and well-being. Your mental health and well-being are important. Find healthy ways to start, renew, or maintain habits that promote taking care of yourself and your mental well-being.

• Create your own well-being plan. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It helps us to be a better friend, parent, worker, and partner. Think about your needs and ask yourself if you are meeting them. Consider making a daily checklist of things you like to do that help you feel well. Your list is for you, and can include anything from calling a friend and eating balanced meals, to dancing to your favorite song.

• Take note of your daily habits. If you notice changes in your drinking, smoking, eating, or media use, reach out for help. Find more information and resources on coping and stress, including alcohol and substance use here.

• Give yourself some grace. Parenting during COVID-19 may be challenging. Even though the pandemic has been going on for a while, you may find yourself struggling. Some ideas to support your well-being as a parent include:

  • Give yourself grace. You are doing the best you can with the tools you have. Recognize that there will be good days and bad days.

  • Balance your needs while caring for your children.

  • Anticipate situations and be prepared as best you can.

  • Reach out for support if and when you need it.

Parents can visit this page for practical ideas and tips to support yourself and your children.

#stayconnectedMN