Self-Care Toolkit

Tools for Your Wellness Journey

Practical exercises, worksheets, and strategies to support your mental health between appointments. Start building your personalized self-care practice today.

Mind

Exercises for mental clarity and emotional regulation

Body

Physical wellness practices that support mental health

Connection

Building and maintaining supportive relationships

Spirit

Finding meaning, purpose, and joy in daily life

Breathing Exercises

Calm your nervous system in minutes

4-7-8 Breathing

A calming technique that activates your parasympathetic nervous system.

  1. 1Breathe in quietly through your nose for 4 seconds
  2. 2Hold your breath for 7 seconds
  3. 3Exhale completely through your mouth for 8 seconds
  4. 4Repeat the cycle 3-4 times
2-3 minutesAnxiety, insomnia, stress
Box Breathing

Used by Navy SEALs to stay calm and focused under pressure.

  1. 1Inhale for 4 seconds
  2. 2Hold for 4 seconds
  3. 3Exhale for 4 seconds
  4. 4Hold for 4 seconds
4-5 minutesFocus, panic attacks, stress
Diaphragmatic Breathing

Deep belly breathing that promotes full oxygen exchange.

  1. 1Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly
  2. 2Breathe in slowly through your nose, letting your belly rise
  3. 3Exhale slowly through pursed lips
  4. 4Focus on moving only your belly, not your chest
5-10 minutesGeneral relaxation, COPD, anxiety

Grounding Techniques

Anchor yourself in the present moment

5-4-3-2-1 Technique

A sensory awareness exercise that brings you back to the present moment.

  • Name 5 things you can SEE
  • Name 4 things you can TOUCH
  • Name 3 things you can HEAR
  • Name 2 things you can SMELL
  • Name 1 thing you can TASTE
Body Scan

Progressive attention to each part of your body to release tension.

  • Find a comfortable position and close your eyes
  • Start at the top of your head
  • Slowly move attention down through each body part
  • Notice sensations without judgment
  • Release tension as you exhale
Object Focus

Use a physical object to anchor your attention to the present.

  • Hold a small object (stone, pen, ice cube)
  • Notice its temperature, texture, weight
  • Describe it in detail in your mind
  • Focus only on the object for 1-2 minutes

Journaling Prompts

Explore your thoughts and feelings through writing

Gratitude
  • What are three things that went well today?
  • Who made a positive impact on my life recently?
  • What simple pleasure am I grateful for?
Self-Reflection
  • What emotion am I feeling right now, and where do I feel it in my body?
  • What would I tell my best friend if they were in my situation?
  • What is one thing I did today that I'm proud of?
Growth
  • What challenge taught me something valuable recently?
  • What is one small step I can take toward my goal tomorrow?
  • How have I grown in the past year?
Stress Release
  • What is worrying me right now? What can I control about it?
  • What do I need to let go of?
  • What would help me feel more at peace today?

Sleep Hygiene Tips

Quality sleep is foundational to mental health. Build better sleep habits.

Consistent Schedule

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.

Create a Sleep Sanctuary

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Use it only for sleep and intimacy.

Limit Screen Time

Avoid phones, tablets, and TVs for at least 1 hour before bed.

Watch What You Consume

Avoid caffeine after 2pm, heavy meals before bed, and limit alcohol.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity promotes better sleep, but avoid intense workouts near bedtime.

Wind Down Routine

Create a relaxing pre-sleep ritual: reading, gentle stretching, or warm bath.

Daily Wellness Habits

Small, consistent habits that add up to significant improvements in your mental health.

Morning
  • Wake at a consistent time
  • Get natural light exposure
  • Eat a nourishing breakfast
  • Set an intention for the day
  • Move your body for 10 minutes
Afternoon
  • Take regular breaks from work
  • Step outside for fresh air
  • Stay hydrated
  • Practice a brief meditation
  • Connect with someone you care about
Evening
  • Reflect on the day's wins
  • Prepare for tomorrow
  • Limit screen time
  • Practice relaxation techniques
  • Go to bed at a consistent time

Downloadable Worksheets

Free resources to support your mental health practice at home.

Daily Mood Tracker

Track your emotions, sleep, and activities to identify patterns.

PDF

Thought Record Worksheet

Challenge negative thinking patterns with this CBT-based tool.

PDF

Weekly Self-Care Planner

Plan self-care activities across mind, body, and spirit.

PDF

Gratitude Journal Template

30-day gratitude practice with daily prompts.

PDF

Coping Skills Reference Card

Quick-reference card with grounding and coping techniques.

PDF

Sleep Diary

Track sleep patterns to improve your sleep hygiene.

PDF

Worksheets are provided for educational purposes. For personalized guidance, please discuss with your provider.

Quick Reference

In-The-Moment Coping Card

When you're feeling overwhelmed, try one of these quick strategies:

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding
Box Breathing
Listen to Music
Move Your Body

“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

— Eleanor Brown

Need More Support?

Self-care tools are most effective when combined with professional support. Our providers can help you build a personalized wellness plan.

Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis?

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For crisis support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.