Navigating Stress 
Winter can be a difficult season.

Whether you struggle with the lack of sunlight from shorter days, family events that come with the holidays, or the general cold weather, it’s so important to practice self-care this time of year.

Caring for your overall well being can be a useful tool when it comes to managing feelings of stress and anxiety, especially for survivors. It’s not uncommon for survivors to feel alone, isolated, or anxious. Due to the violence they have experienced, some may have long lasting mental, physical, and emotional effects that can impact their daily lives. These effects may become more apparent during this time of year as we enter the holiday season, which causes stress for many people.

How can you help?
This season you can help a survivor by sharing your own self-care tip. Whether you have a song that brings you out of darkness, have a beloved cookie recipe to share, a favorite park where you find peaceful moments, or an exercise that helps move you into the present, you’re invited to share what’s been meaningful and helpful to you.

“Taking care of yourself can be done in hours or minutes. Taking care of yourself can be done anywhere. Taking care of yourself is being intentional about being present in the moment, giving yourself compassion, being connected, and recognizing you deserve to be taken care of by you.”

– Sharon Imperato, LMHC Project Director of Clinical Training & Technical Assistance at BARCC

Community relationships are often another way we can stay healthy and feel cared for. If that’s the case for you, feel free to share about ways you stay connected with the people in your life when you need support.

We’ll share your responses in our Self-Care Guide for survivors.

Spread Care Today
This is an incredible opportunity to make a direct impact on a survivor’s mental health. When they find themselves at a point where they need help, they’ll be able to turn to your tips and the BARCC community for ways to cope.

Many people, especially survivors, face challenges with self-care. There can be a stigma around making time to prioritize yourself. You are letting survivors know that taking time for yourself is important and that it shows strength to recognize when you need help.

So spread care this holiday season and show survivors that you support them! Fill out our Self-Care Form by 12/31 so we can help survivors kick off the New Year with a great resource in their pocket.

Not sure what to write? Check out some examples here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Helen Frazer at hfrazer@barcc.org.

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