Self-Care Resources

• Virtual Calming Room: Resources for online tools and strategies for managing emotions and feelings in positive ways

• How to Calm Anxiety: If you struggle with anxiety, know that you are not alone. Here are some resources and education on what anxiety looks like and what we can do about it. 

• Tired but Wired: Feeling “Tired But Wired” is a common symptom of anxiety disorder, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Anxiety Attacks and Panic Disorder. This article explains the relationship between anxiety and feeling tired but wired.

• SoundCloud Playlist: Compassionate self talk from the Compassionate Mind Foundation

Chronic pain resources

• Educational Links for Chronic Pain Resources: Resources for from the Institute for Chronic Pain

• Being Unsympathetic-Mind's Secret Weapon for Chronic Pain (video): People often think about chronic pain as only benefitting from medical treatment and interventions. Jessica Pullins focuses on an essential strategy for lowering pain-related distress: being “unsympathetic.” In this case, “unsympathetic” refers to the Sympathetic Nervous System, the part of the Autonomic Nervous System responsible for the Fight or Flight (or Freeze) Response.

• Pain Toolkit and Resources: These links and resources have been compiled and put together by the team at the Pain Toolkit for your reference and what we believe will help you in the self management of your pain.

• List of Alternative and Complementary Therapies: Explains the different types of complementary and alternative therapies, what they're used for and possible side effects.

Mindfulness resources

• 5 Minute Mindfulness (video)

• Mindfulness Apps for Kids: Kids of all ages can reap the benefits of meditation and mindfulness using technology. Meditating even only a few minutes a day has proven to reduce stress, boost immunity, aid memory and concentration, decrease depression and anxiety, and even make you more compassionate. 

• Common Obstacles to Mindfulness: Regular practice of Mindfulness skills can lead to more self-awareness and less ‘reactivity’. Mindful awareness will improve your ability to self-regulate which will give you more choice over how you respond when faced with difficult situations. However, when beginning to learn Mindfulness there are some obstacles people commonly encounter.  With some understanding and planning, you can reduce the potential frustrations you may experience. This page will address the common obstacles so that you persist and go on to reap the full benefits of continued practice. 

• Forest Bathing: Many people enjoy spending time in nature. But did you know that time among the trees could be therapeutic? Forest therapy is a growing practice that promises benefits for your mind and body. Enthusiasts say it can help you relax and refuel — and give you a break from the devices, worries and stress that dominate your daily life. It might even improve your physical health.

Sleep