Compass Creation Guide

Overview:
In this guide, you’ll learn how to design and personalize your own Self-Care Compass—a visual tool to help you navigate stress and maintain balance in your daily life.

Materials Needed:

• Self-Care Map Template
• Markers, colored pencils, or pens
• Sticky notes (optional)

Steps:

1. Review the Four Self-Care Categories (5 minutes)

   • Physical: Activities that support your body (e.g., exercise, sleep).
   • Emotional: Practices that help you process feelings (e.g., journaling).
   • Social: Actions that build connections (e.g., talking with friends).
   • Spiritual: Activities that bring calm and purpose (e.g., meditation).

2. Brainstorm Personalized Strategies (10 minutes)

   • Use sticky notes or a digital list to jot down at least three ideas per category.
   • Be specific: instead of “exercise,” write “10-minute after-school jog.”

3. Draw Your Compass on the Template (5 minutes)

   • Label the four quadrants: Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual.
   • Make sure your compass is centered and clear.

4. Populate Each Quadrant (10 minutes)

   • Write one or more personalized strategies in each section.
   • Choose activities you enjoy and can realistically use.

5. Decorate for Clarity & Inspiration (5 minutes)

   • Add colors, symbols, or doodles that represent each strategy.
   • Use images or icons for quick recognition when you refer to it.

6. Reflect on Usage (5 minutes)

   • Consider when and how you’ll use each strategy (e.g., “If I feel anxious before a test, I’ll do 3 deep breaths”).
   • Write a short note on the template: “When I need this, I will…”

Reflection Questions:

• Which self-care strategy feels most important or appealing to you? Why?
  
  
  
  
• How will you integrate these practices into your daily routine?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• What will you do if you notice your stress starting to rise?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Tips for Success:

• Think of activities you already enjoy to ensure you’ll keep using your compass.
• Keep your strategies realistic—small, consistent actions build habits.
• Place your completed compass somewhere visible: locker, notebook, or phone background.

Outcome:
By following this guide, you’ll walk away with a personalized Self-Care Compass that empowers you to proactively manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthy life balance.

Self-Care Map Template

Use this template to design and personalize your Self-Care Compass. Follow the steps below:

1. Draw Your Compass

• Sketch a large circle and divide it into four equal quadrants.
• Label each quadrant: Physical (top), Emotional (right), Social (bottom), Spiritual (left).

2. Populate Each Quadrant

Write at least one personalized self-care strategy in each section. Be as specific as possible.

Physical (activities for your body):

Emotional (activities for your feelings):

Social (activities for your relationships):

Spiritual (activities for calm and purpose):

3. Decorate & Personalize

• Add colors, symbols, or doodles that represent each strategy.
• Make your compass visually inspiring!

4. Reflection Questions

Answer the questions below to deepen your understanding and plan for real-life use.

1. Which self-care strategy feels most important or appealing to you? Why?
   
   
   
   

2. How and when will you integrate these practices into your daily routine?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. If you notice your stress rising, what strategy will you use first and how?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Where will you keep or display your completed Self-Care Compass to remind yourself to use it?
   
   
   
   

Use this Self-Care Map Template as a living tool: revisit and update it whenever your needs change.

Compass Project Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate your Self-Care Compass. Award points for each criterion and total out of 16.

Total Score: ____ / 16

Score Interpretation:

• 14–16: Exceeds expectations
• 10–13: Meets expectations
• 6–9: Approaching expectations
• 4–5: Needs improvement

Use this rubric during peer feedback and final assessment to guide clear, objective evaluation.