At a time when it seems every day brings shocking news—from the devastating earthquake in Myanmar to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza—it can feel overwhelming. In a world that too often seems like it’s gone mad, it’s more important than ever to carve out safe spaces for yourself where you can recover your balance.

“Self-care” might seem like a buzzword because we hear it used so often. But the fact is that taking care of ourselves is the only way we are able to be any good for those we love—and that includes yourself. Staying focused on the present—being mindful—helps keep it from seeming as though the very cosmos is pig-piling on top of you.

You’ve heard it said that you have to love yourself before you can love someone else. Well, here are nine specific ways you can care for and love yourself:

1. Put aside the unhappy memories of the past and worries about what tomorrow “might” bring. You can’t do anything about the past except to learn whatever lessons it has to teach you. Focus on today. “Sufficient unto the day are the evils thereof,” as Scripture puts it.

2. Spend time........

© Psychology Today