“How we take care of ourselves directly correlates to the way we value ourselves, our self-worth,” says Anne Ockene Boudreau, author of the new book, “A Human Mosaic: Heal, Renew, & Develop Self-Worth.” “The way we treat ourselves reflects how worthy we believe we are, and when we neglect nurturing ourselves, our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health suffer. The disruption the pandemic has caused in our routines presents an opportunity to re-evaluate what is working and what’s not working in our lives, including our self-care rituals and our “language of self-worth” — how we talk to ourselves, Ockene Boudreau says. “You can nourish and strengthen your short- and long-term health with personal care and preventative health measures that are easily applicable to your daily life,” she says. These include:

• Make Time for Self-Care: Establish a routine and schedule time for self-care throughout the day, whether it’s going for a walk outdoors, exercise, recreation, mediation, or any activity that brings you joy.

• Set Boundaries: Learn to say no and stay true to your personal schedule for self-care.

• Create a Personal Mantra for yourself that will serve as a reminder of your investment to care for yourself and help shift your frame of mind. This could be a phrase you love or a word that brings you joy and tranquility, such as sunshine, breeze, rainbow, peace, love.

• Reset Your Mood: Be aware of your mindset throughout the day by checking in with yourself. When you feel anxiety rising, pause, breathe deeply, and reframe your thoughts to reduce tension and frustration.