Even on the busiest days, try to take at least ten minutes a day to yourself - nobody else, no phone, no computer, nothing. Close your eyes, and breathe deeply. It doesn't have to be a formal meditation practice; just a moment to clear your head of anything but yourself for just a little while.

As silly as it sounds, there's a strong connection between our willpower and how hydrated, nourished, and well-slept we are. To get through our weeks, we all require basic sustenance. Try to eat when you're hungry, and try to choose things that you believe are good for you.

A corollary of nourishment: treats are important, too! A small dessert at the end of a long day is lovely, but so are non-food items. A new book or game, or a night at the movies might do you some good. 

Your friends can be totally different than yourself (see cat and rabbit friendship above), and they can be friends who support changes that you'd like to make in your life. But they should make you feel good about yourself, not worse.

Surprisingly short amounts of low-impact exercise, such as a twenty minute walk, can significantly improve mental health. Paired with some time to yourself or with a group of friends, moving around can remind you that your body is a wonderful, resilient, and amazing place to be.

If you're feeling tapped out, it is okay to feel that way, and totally okay to take the steps necessary to recuperate. 

Connecting with someone you care about can be wonderfully restorative. It can be as simple as a 'how are you?' text, or as involved as a lunch date, or as sweet as a compliment (over french toast!).

Scheduling time to be in bed before you need to be asleep can take the pressure (and attendant sleep anxiety) off of going to bed. Read a book, catch a tidbit of TV, catch up with your partner. Consider it foreplay for sleeping! But not weird.

The key word here is care. You don't have to dress stylishly, or richly, or fabulously. But dressing like you care about yourself (clean clothes that fit you and allow reasonable range of movement) can make a huge difference on a bad day, even if you're not feeling terribly caring towards yourself.

We disagree with those we love sometimes -- even those that support us a great deal. Finding ways to engage in that conflict in a healthy way, that doesn't belittle either participant, can be extremely helpful. Part of self-care is learning how to take care of ourselves, just as we take care of the other people in our lives; sometimes that involves negotiation between both parties. 

Sometimes, on those rough days, a warm shower can be transformative. Brushing your teeth can also be nice. And – if you're feeling particularly ambitious – flossing.

Like hygiene and treats, making time for a hobby ensures that there is some time each day set aside for your own goals and enjoyment. Sometimes that can feel like another 'chore' to perform, but choosing hobbies that one genuinely enjoys can help, as can setting expectations low. Starting on a personal project for twenty minutes might be an enormous victory!

Pride, or something else, often prevents us from asking for help before we're desperate, because we think of the brink of disaster being what qualifies as a 'need.' Asking for help earlier will serve you better in the long run. Plus, whenever someone agrees to help, it is a very tangible evidence that they care about you. 

And sometimes the help you need is just a hug. 

Often frustration is linked with unreasonable expectations of ourselves. Try to think of what you're comfortable attempting each day, remembering that caring for yourself has to be a part of that. Remember to give points to yourself for everything you attempt, even if it doesn't go as planned!