We've introduced what self care is and what domains it covers, now lets look within those domains into your life. There's a short reflective assessment below to get you started. Feel free to post in the discussion any questions you have or any "ahha" moments that you have during self reflection. I encourage you to follow the steps below prior to reflecting on the questions and moving to the assessment so you are grounded and have a deeper connection to yourself for true evaluation.

1. Find a quiet space.

2. In a series of 7, take a breath in for the count of 4, hold it for 2, then exhale for a count of 8. Repeat 7 times.

SIMPLE CHECKLIST

Here is a checklist with five simple questions. Refer to it anytime that you feel tired, irritable, hungry or tense in the body.

Ask yourself, do you sometimes feel irritable or upset for no apparent reason? Can you recall a time when you were just not able to get anything done despite trying really hard? Do you sometimes feel inexplicably low on energy and motivation? Answer these five simple questions:

1. How long has it been since your last proper meal?

2. How much water have you consumed in the last 24 hours?

3. How many hours have you slept in the last 24 hours?

4. How long has it been since you went outside or got some exercise?

5. When was the last time you met someone in person?

The answers to these five questions will help you to satiate some of the most basic human needs. Everyone has periods of feeling ‘emotional’, seemingly for no reason. However, the signals our mind and body transmit are rarely without reason. When our basic needs are not adequately met, it can lead to changes in our mood, capacity to think, learn and even make decisions.

Use any of the self care scales or assessments in your Assessment Packet and reflect on what areas you have solid self care practices and where you could use a little addition or attention to that domain. We'll talk about planning in a few lessons.

The Practice: Complete your self care assessment. Write and upload a short summary outlining the results and reflecting on areas that are your strengths and weaknesses. Check in with your body and scan where you may be holding things tight. Name the sensations you feel. Then take 3 deep breaths and ask yourself, "what do I need right now?". Listen for the answer.