Manage My
Account
Join AAA Now
Live | Play | AAA BlogSelf-Care to Soothe the Soul
Magazine-Page Sample Template
This is my description
When times are stressful, you need a little extra tender loving care. But if your stress overwhelms you and you feel a little off-kilter, even the most basic self-care may fall by the wayside. You might not want to get out and exercise or eat the right kinds of foods. Your sleep may suffer. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take a moment or two to relax.
Taking care of yourself not only helps you manage whatever stress you feel, it may also help you lower that stress. Self-care helps replenish and fortify your social, physical, mental, and emotional self. Tailor a list of steps that speak to your unique needs. Here are a few ideas:
- Social: Even when you can't be with loved ones in person, you can stay connected. Talk with a friend or family member. Write a card or letter to someone you're thinking of. Take some time to cuddle or play with a beloved pet. Even caring for indoor plants or a garden can boost your sense of feeling connected. And that may go a long way toward soothing your stress.
- Physical: Nourishing your body with increased blood flow and the right foods is key. If it's feasible, go for a walk or ride your bike to boost circulation. Try an online yoga, dance, or chair exercise class. Or even march in place and swing your arms. Also, try to eat healthy foods every day. When possible, reach for nutrient-rich foods like fresh vegetables, fruit, whole-grain cereals and breads, beans, and yogurt. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water.
- Mental: Engage your mind with a puzzle, a good book, or a game. Sketch or paint a picture. Color in a coloring book. Watch an engrossing movie or TV show. Read a book or listen to an audiobook. Give yourself a short vacation from stress by allowing yourself to be absorbed by something you enjoy.
- Emotional: Write your feelings down in a journal. Have a good cry. Think back to the memory of a happy event. Make a list of all that you are grateful for. Meditate or pray. Try to pinpoint any negative thinking that may be worsening your stress. Then, work to reframe such thoughts in a more neutral or positive way.
Beyond the basics of self-care, pamper yourself when you can. Take a soothing bubble bath or soak your feet in some warm water. Listen to your favorite music or a podcast that you find uplifting. Revisit your favorite photos and letters.
What are your favorite healthy at-home ways to treat yourself? Remember, extra stress calls for extra selfcare. And you deserve it.
With the Active&Fit Direct™ program, you’ll have access to thousands of gyms nationwide. Should you choose to stay fit at home, you can choose from over 14,000 on-demand fitness videos—free of charge—when you register with the Active&Fit Direct program. Not only that, but you’ll receive
one-on-one, goal-oriented well-being coaching in areas such as fitness, nutrition, stress management, and sleep. You can also add your spouse or domestic partner through your account as well! Access the Active&Fit Direct program through your employer, health plan, or association.
References
University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. (2018, April 18). Why stress management is important: Self-care tips that anyone can put into practice. https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/why-stress-management-important-self-care-tips-anyone-can-put-practice
Robinson, L., Smith, M., & Segal, R. (2019). Stress management: Techniques and strategies to deal with stress. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/stress-management
Segal, J., Smith, M., & Robinson, L. (2025, March 13). Quick stress relief. https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/stress/quick-stress-relief
Tello, M. (2017, November 16). Self-care: 4 ways to nourish body and soul. Harvard Health Blog. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/self-care-4-ways-nourish-body-soul-2017111612736
*Add a spouse/domestic partner to a primary membership for additional monthly fees. Spouses/domestic partners must be 18 years or older. Fees will vary based on fitness center selection.
M966-1030A 5/25 © 2025 American Specialty Health Incorporated (ASH). All rights reserved. The Active&Fit Direct program is provided by American Specialty Health Fitness, Inc., a subsidiary of ASH. Active&Fit Direct and the Active&Fit Direct logos are trademarks of ASH. Other names or logos may be trademarks of their respective owners. Standard fitness center and premium studio participation varies by location and is subject to change. Other restrictions may apply based on location of your selected fitness center. On-demand workout videos are subject to change. ASH reserves the right to modify any aspect of the Program (including, without limitation, the Enrollment Fee(s), the Monthly Fee(s), any future Annual Maintenance fees, and/or the Introductory Period) at any time per the terms and conditions. If we modify a fee or make a material change to the Program, we will provide you with no less than 30 days’ notice prior to the effective date of the change. We may discontinue the Program at any time upon advance written notice. The persons featured may not be Active&Fit Direct members.
.webp)