Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Blog

Another facet of self-care is emotional self-care. To simplify, think of emotional self-care as effectively managing emotional distress. Stress manifests in various forms, thus it is crucial to equip ourselves to combat distress when it arises. An effective strategy to combat distress is leveraging our personal strengths. This can be achieved through daily positive affirmations and exploring new avenues of embracing self-love. Often, we are too caught up in the whirlwinds of life to pause in the present moment and acknowledge the small victories we make each and every day. 

By actively engaging in emotional self-care and fostering mindfulness, we become cognizant of detrimental habits disadvantageous to our overall emotional well-being. Through this newfound awareness, we strengthen our emotional resilience while simultaneously prioritizing our health and wellness.  

Emotional self-care encompasses a variety of activities, including, but not limited to: 

• Spending time with others whose company we enjoy 
• Giving affirmations that promote self-love 
• Buying ourselves a present 
• Practicing forgiveness, not only among others, but with ourselves as well 
• Re-reading favorite books, re-viewing favorite movies and tv shows 
• Identifying comforting activities, objects, people, places and seeking them out 
• Allowing ourselves to cry 
• Finding things that make us laugh 
• Social justice engagement 

The possibilities for emotional self-care are diverse and adaptable to individual preferences and needs. By prioritizing emotional self-care through these practices, we lay the foundation for effectively managing stress, nurturing personal relationships, and embracing life’s experiences more fully. 

An essential part of my emotional self-care routine revolves around incorporating positive and loving affirmations to enhance my emotional well-being. I create what I refer to as “self-love notes” using sticky notes, strategically placing them where I’ll appreciate them as soon as I wake up and before I go to bed. This practice ensures I begin and end my days with a sense of gratitude. Moreover, these notes serve as a gentle reminder to give myself grace, particularly during challenging days that take a toll on my physical and mental emotional well-being. 

Written by Ayanna Wade (she/her), BHRS Office of Diversity & Equity Intern