Collecting stories and strategies of self-care and wellbeing to help others during COVID-19

I am currently undertaking new research into self-care and wellbeing during COVID-19. I would love for you to contribute through an anonymous survey that collects strategies and approaches that have helped you. My aim is to collate and collect stories that can then help others.

Self-care is about taking care of yourself. It is a proactive action involving steps to develop, protect, maintain and improve health, wellbeing or wellness. Self-care can be seen as a repertoire of practices – different things you do that help you care for you, no matter how small, in the act of treating yourself like you would a close friend. The importance of valuing self-care has not changed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the ways in which we engage with and value our self-care may needed to have changed.

This study is interested in furthering our knowledge of what proactive self-care looks like during the dynamic and changing time of COVID-19 for 18+ year olds. This project aims to develop an understanding and a collection of stories, experiences and strategies for self-care from a flourishing perspective – being authentic, fulfilled, satisfied or living the best life you can right now. That is, what can self-care look like when individuals are proactive and empowered in the enactment of self-care in order to support them self to be their best version of self.

I do wish to acknowledge upfront from a space of compassion that during the dynamic times of COVID-19, individuals and collectives have different experiences. This research aims to highlight the positive experiences and gain insights into what this many be like for those who identify in this way. It is acknowledged though, that this perspective is one, and for some the idea of flourishing or feeling empowered is not one they are experiencing, rather in this unprecedented time of stress. If you are experiencing any of these feelings, I encourage you to seek help from Lifeline on 131 114 or Suicide Line on 1300 651 251 (Australia), or by contacting the local area emergency service. If you are distressed in any way, please do care for you and make the decision that is right for you to perhaps not participate in this study survey.

If you would like to participate, you must be 18 years old or over.

More information can be accessed here plus the survey link.

I do hope you can participate.