Updated as of September 14, 2024.
What is Nurturing Yourself, and Why is It Important?
Nurturing yourself involves taking the time and energy to focus on yourself and your needs. These days, it is easy to get wrapped up in external activities and lose track of what makes you happy.
Of course, not having homework and chores would be great, but nurturing yourself doesn’t mean running away from your responsibilities. Instead, it’s about making sure that you take care of yourself while you are taking care of your responsibilities.
Nurturing yourself helps to keep you physically and mentally healthy. While it can be tempting to just charge through day after day, you might find yourself feeling drained. This feeling can keep getting worse unless you put yourself on your to-do list and prioritize yourself.
How Do I Start Nurturing Myself?
Step back and breathe
The first step in finding what you need is to take a break from your busy life – even for just a few minutes. Put aside your homework and leave your chores undone. Turn off distracting media; just sit with yourself for a few minutes.
Identify what you need
What comes into your mind? What sounds good and relaxing? This can include a variety of things:
Activities
- Meditation, Yoga
- Sports
- Running, walking
- Creating art, knitting
- Reading
- Writing
- Singing, dancing
- Playing a musical instrument
- Cooking, baking
- Gardening
- Many others
Entertainment
- Movies and TV
- Music
- Sports
- Attending live performances
Food
- Special/favorite dishes
- Special/favorite treat or beverage
- Favorite restaurant
Make the time you need
After you identify what nurtures you, you need to make certain you take the time to do it. Consider scheduling a time for you; put nurturing yourself on your to-do list. This could be every day, three times a week, or anything or schedule that fits into your life.
Alternatively, make a list of what nurtures you, and go to it when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Pick one of your choices and do it. Nurturing yourself not only helps you at that moment, it also makes you stronger and more ready to meet your responsibilities and achieve your goals.
Where Can I Find Out More?
The professionals at the Free Bridges Helpdesk eagerly await the opportunity to serve you. Please feel free to contact us anytime, including holidays and weekends. We are here to support you!
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.