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Self-Care and Wellness for Child Care Professionals

Child Care Provider

A child care professional’s guide to self-care

A career in the early care and education field can be rewarding, but it can be busy and challenging, too! You’re often putting in long hours with little pay. Some days it may feel like you can barely go to the bathroom for a minute, let alone take time for self-care.

Making time for yourself is important

Child care professionals give so much to others. It is okay to take time for yourself as well – it goes hand-in-hand with your health and wellness. In fact, self-care can be one of the best ways for you to recharge so you have energy for innovative and energetic new ideas in the classroom. Once you view self-care through the correct lens, it’s easy to see that it’s anything but selfish.

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Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.
Katie Reed
Writer, speaker, and mental health advocate
Build, Learn, Grow

Building Wellness

The Building Wellness program is a shared employee assistance program for Indiana’s early care and education system. Services are free of charge, as needed, to qualifying individuals.

Learn More

What's included?

  • Short-term counseling
  • Legal and financial consultation
  • Work-life assistance
  • Crisis intervention services

Accessing services

Services are available 24/7 via phone, online or the GuidanceNowSM app. Visit Brighter Futures Indiana to learn more and register.

self-care music

Listen to music

Music makes a big impact on your mood and energy level. Regardless of the genre, turn it on during a break or play soft music at nap time to calm your nerves. It works for your little ones too!
self care mindful

Practice mindfulness

Practicing mindfulness can help you become more present. Rather than replay something in your mind that happened yesterday or worry about what might happen later today, enjoy the here and now!
self care meditate

Meditate

Even a quick five-minute meditation can help you feel rejuvenated.
self care alone

Carve out time to be alone

Even if it's just five minutes each day that you set aside to relax by yourself, a little solitude can help you unwind. It's important to give yourself a few minutes alone time aside from bathroom breaks!
self care outdoors

Spend Time in Nature

A quick walk in the park, a hike on a trail, or time spent tending a garden can help you feel rested and relaxed.
Self-Care Tips

Take steps toward wellness!

Now that you’re aware of the benefits that self-care can bring to your life, it’s time to make a game plan! Try these self-care tips and activities to put your health and mental wellness first.

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Make a plan

Set daily goals for yourself, like doing one thing every day that improves your mental or physical health in some way. Be specific.
Learn More
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Get digital

Check out this list of the best self-care apps that make a few minutes of well-being just a tap away.
Learn More
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Self-reflect

Put together a self-care journal or find some other way to reflect every day on how you took care of your health.
Learn More
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Featured Video

#ThankYouChildCare from Child Care Answers

Today and every day, we are SO THANKFUL for all that our early childhood professionals do for children every day. Thank you from our staff to you!

mindfulness modeling
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Mindfulness Modeling

purposeful parenting
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Growing in Purposeful Parenting

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Supporting our own Mental and Emotional Wellness

TEACH

Mental Health Screening

Online screening is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, and Mental Health America makes it easier than ever with their online tools.
Take the Test
Self-Care for Kids

Using books to teach self-care techniques

Books can be a particularly helpful way to introduce self-care concepts to young children.

Examples include:

  • Unstoppable Me! by Wane W. Dyer
  • Eating The Alphabet by Lois Elhert
  • The Pigeon Needs a Bath! by Mo Willems
  • Good Night Yoga: A Pose-by-Pose Bedtime Story by Mariam Gates
  • The Busy Body Book: A Kid’s Guide to Fitness by Lizzy Rockwell
Self-Care for Kids

Helping kids start self-care practices

Remember to start small. When it comes to encouraging kids to explore self-care on their own, consider their age and developmental level.

Try these examples:

  • Carve out a space for quiet time within your environment.
  • Create a “calm-down” box which includes items that are soothing to the senses.
  • Practice breathing by blowing bubbles or a pinwheel.
  • Help children label emotions – these cards can help!
A Resource for Families

Embracing Self-Care

Taking care of your physical, emotional, and social needs will help you feel your best so you can be the best version of yourself. Share these tools with the families in your care to support their self-care journey.
Read More Download
Mental Wellness Tools

Best meditation and mindfullness apps for both kids & adults

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