Lesson Plan
Your Self-Care Survival Guide
Students will define self-care and identify at least three self-care strategies they can implement.
Learning self-care helps students manage stress, improve their emotional well-being, and develop healthy habits that will benefit them throughout their lives, especially during the challenges of adolescence.
Audience
7th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and guided reflection.
Materials
- Self-Care Slide Deck, - Whiteboard or projector, and - Markers or pens
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
- Review the Self-Care Slide Deck and this lesson plan to familiarize yourself with the content and flow.
- Ensure the projector or whiteboard is set up and ready for use.
- (Optional) Prepare a personal example of a simple self-care activity you practice to share with the class.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What is Self-Care?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the term 'self-care.'
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, writing down key ideas on the whiteboard or projected slide.
- Introduce the lesson's main question: "What is self-care and why is it important for us?"
- Transition to the Self-Care Slide Deck for the official definition and benefits.
Step 2
Exploring Self-Care Categories
10 minutes
- Use the Self-Care Slide Deck to present different categories of self-care (physical, emotional, mental, social).
- For each category, provide a brief explanation and ask students for examples of activities that fit into that category.
- Encourage diverse examples, emphasizing that self-care looks different for everyone.
- Facilitate a short pair-share: "Turn to a partner and share one self-care activity you already do, or one you'd like to try from a category we just discussed."
Step 3
Brainstorming Personal Strategies
10 minutes
- Lead a whole-class brainstorming session on practical self-care strategies suitable for 7th graders.
- Ask: "What are some small, easy things you can do for yourself when you feel stressed, tired, or just need a break?"
- Write student suggestions on the board. (Examples: listening to music, reading a book, taking a walk, talking to a friend, drawing, playing a game, drinking water, getting enough sleep).
- Emphasize that self-care doesn't have to be expensive or time-consuming.
Step 4
Wrap-up & Commitment
5 minutes
- Ask students to reflect on one self-care strategy they commit to trying or doing more often.
- Share a concluding thought: "Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's essential for you to be your best self, at school and at home."
- Briefly review the main takeaways from the Self-Care Slide Deck.
- Collect any notes or reflections if an optional Self-Care Journal or Self-Care Worksheet was used.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Your Self-Care Survival Guide
Taking care of YOU!
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what 'self-care' means to them. "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something super important for all of us: self-care. When you hear that word, what comes to mind? Shout out some ideas!" (Allow a few responses).
What is Self-Care?
Self-care is any activity you do deliberately to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health.
It's about recharging your battery!
Why is it important?
- Reduces stress
- Improves mood
- Increases energy
- Helps you focus
- Boosts resilience
Define self-care for the students and explain why it's important. "Self-care isn't selfish; it's essential. It means taking deliberate steps to look after your physical, emotional, mental, and social health. Think of it like recharging your own personal battery." Ask: "Why do you think it's so important for us, especially as busy 7th graders, to make time for this?" (Encourage discussion).
Physical Self-Care
Taking care of your body!
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating nutritious foods
- Staying active (sports, walking, dancing)
- Drinking water
- Personal hygiene (showers, brushing teeth)
What are some other ways you physically take care of yourself?
Introduce the first category: Physical Self-Care. Give examples and ask students for more. "Let's start with physical self-care. This is all about taking care of your body. What are some ways we can do that?" (Guide towards sleep, healthy food, exercise, hygiene).
Emotional Self-Care
Tuning into your feelings!
- Expressing your emotions (talking, journaling)
- Practicing mindfulness or meditation
- Spending time on hobbies you love
- Setting boundaries
- Allowing yourself to feel feelings (happy, sad, frustrated)
How do you healthily deal with strong emotions?
Move to Emotional Self-Care. Emphasize acknowledging feelings. "Next up is emotional self-care. This is about understanding and managing your feelings. Sometimes, we just need to feel our feelings. What are healthy ways to express or deal with emotions?" (Guide towards talking, journaling, creative outlets).
Mental Self-Care
Keeping your mind sharp and calm!
- Reading a book for fun
- Learning something new
- Doing puzzles or brain games
- Taking a break from screens
- Practicing positive self-talk
What do you do to give your brain a break or a boost?
Discuss Mental Self-Care. Focus on activities that stimulate and rest the mind. "Now, mental self-care. Our brains work hard all day! This is about keeping your mind healthy. What activities help your brain feel good, or even take a break?" (Guide towards reading, learning new things, puzzles, or simply disconnecting from screens).
Social Self-Care
Connecting with others and your community!
- Spending time with supportive friends and family
- Connecting with your community (clubs, volunteering)
- Asking for help when you need it
- Setting boundaries with people who drain your energy
- Having fun with others
Who are the people that help you feel good and supported?
Address Social Self-Care. Highlight the importance of healthy relationships. "Finally, social self-care. Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others is important. How do healthy friendships and family connections contribute to your well-being?" (Guide towards spending time with loved ones, connecting with supportive friends, saying no to draining interactions).
My Self-Care Strategies
What are some things YOU can do?
- Listen to your favorite music
- Take a few deep breaths
- Draw or doodle
- Talk to a trusted adult or friend
- Go for a short walk
- Drink a glass of water
- Do something creative
What else can you add to this list?
Lead a class brainstorming session for practical strategies. "Okay, we've talked about different types of self-care. Now, let's brainstorm! What are some simple, practical things you can do, starting today, to practice self-care? Think small steps!" (List student ideas on the board, reinforcing that self-care doesn't have to be complicated).
Your Self-Care Commitment
Self-care isn't selfish; it's necessary!
Commit to one small self-care action this week.
How will you recharge your battery?
Conclude by having students reflect on one strategy and emphasizing the overall message. "Before we finish, I want each of you to think of one self-care strategy you will try to incorporate more into your week. Keep it simple! Remember, taking care of yourself is important, and you deserve it. It helps you be the best version of yourself." (Optional: Distribute Self-Care Journal or Self-Care Worksheet for a quick exit ticket/reflection).
Warm Up
Recharge Reflection
Instructions: Think about a time recently when you felt really good, refreshed, or relaxed. What were you doing?
Why do you think that activity made you feel that way?
Cool Down
My Self-Care Pledge
Instructions: On a scale of 1-5, how important do you think self-care is for students your age? (1 = Not Important, 5 = Very Important)
Write down one specific self-care strategy you plan to try or focus on this week.
How do you think this strategy will help you?
Journal
My Self-Care Reflection Journal
Prompt 1: Understanding My Needs
What are some signs that tell you when you might need to practice self-care? (e.g., feeling tired, stressed, grumpy, overwhelmed)
Prompt 2: My Favorite Self-Care Activities
Based on what we discussed, list at least three self-care activities that you genuinely enjoy or think you would enjoy. Explain why each one appeals to you.
Prompt 3: Making a Plan
Choose one self-care activity you want to prioritize this week. Describe when and how you plan to do it. What might be challenging about it, and how will you overcome that challenge?