12 Days of Self-Care

A newsletter from Johnson County Mental Health Center

With the holidays in full swing, many people find themselves so focused on making others happy that they put their own needs on the back burner. Giving yourself the gift of 12 days of self-care will allow you to recharge, find balance, and enter the new year feeling refreshed. No birds or pear trees needed—just a commitment to nurture your well-being.

Day 1: Indulge in a favorite hobby

Take time to partake in an activity that brings you joy, whether it's baking, reading, or chess. Hobbies can bring you joy in the short term but also help build resilience and strengthen your sense of self.

Day 2: Treat yourself to a relaxing bath or spa time

Pamper yourself with a warm bath or home spa experience. The warmth and tranquility of a bath or shower can help to relax your muscles and reduce stress and tension.

Day 3: Engage in mindfulness

Take a couple of minutes to bring your attention to the present moment. Mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or guided meditation, are about breaking free from a cluttered mind.

Day 4: Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

Reflect on what you would like to accomplish in the new year and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (S.M.A.R.T) goals. Goal setting provides direction and motivation, giving you something to look forward to.

Day 5: Move your body

Physical activity, even in small doses, can have a big impact on your mood and energy levels. Choose an activity that you enjoy—such as dancing, cycling, or kickboxing—and work up a sweat.

Day 6: Clear some clutter

Need to clean out your junk drawer or overflowing email inbox? A small act of organization can clear your mind and reduce stress, leaving you feeling more focused and at ease.

Day 7: Prioritize quality sleep

After a sleepless night, you may feel irritable and be vulnerable to stress. Try to improve one aspect of your bedtime routine, whether that's reducing screen time before bed, going to bed an hour earlier, or cutting out caffeine early.

Day 8: Connect with a friend or loved one

Strengthen your relationships by reaching out to a friend or family member. Meaningful social connections offer emotional support, boost your happiness, and create a sense of belonging.

Day 9: Take a social media break

While social media helps us stay connected, it can be beneficial to step away occasionally. Whether it's for a few hours or a few days, taking a social media break can allow you to reconnect with the present and improve focus.

Day 10: Practice gratitude

Take a moment to reflect and write down three things you are grateful for, no matter how big or small. Research shows that practicing gratitude can enhance your emotional well-being and may even extend your lifespan.

Day 11: Personalize a playlist

Music has the ability to offer comfort during tough times and amplify moments of joy. Choose songs that energize, calm, or inspire you, depending on what you need most.

Day 12: Journal your thoughts

For some, daily journaling is a long-standing habit, while for others, it can feel intimidating. Regardless of experience, journaling can help you process emotions and reduce stress. Try these journal prompts if you're unsure where to start.

The holiday season can feel overwhelming, but taking time for self-care, including seeking support, can make a big difference.

If you or someone you know is finding it difficult to cope, remember that help is always available. Reach out to Johnson County Mental Health Center's 24/7 crisis line at 913-268-0156 or text or call 988 for assistance.

What is self-care, and why is it important for your health? - Calm
Self-care for health and well-being - World Health Organization (WHO)
5 ways to level up your self-care routine for better mental health - Wondermind

Dec. 24: JCMHC and Genoa Pharmacy close at 2 p.m. in observance of Christmas Eve
Dec. 25: JCMHC and Genoa Pharmacy closed in observance of Christmas
Jan. 1: JCMHC and Genoa Pharmacy closed in observance of New Year's Day

Dec. 19: Parent to Parent - NAMI Johnson County
Jan. 23: Adult Mental Health First Aid (virtual)
Jan 23: Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Monthly Meeting

Parent to Parent is a support group designed for parents or caregivers that have a child or teenager (under 18) with a mental health condition. Participants can meet other parents or caregivers that are going through a similar experience and gain insight and resources from trained leaders.

Mental Health First Aid is an interactive 8-hour course that presents an overview of mental illness and substance use disorders in the U.S. and introduces participants to risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds an understanding of their impact, and overviews common treatments.

Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition's mission is to save and support lives through awareness, education, and outreach. The next monthly meeting will feature the 2024 suicide data report, presented by Gabe Hawkins from Johnson County Department of Health and Environment.