Autumn self care day for EYP DIP by Sally Squires

Great self care activities all well done to all of you

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:42:55 UTC

Well done to everyone who took part in our Autumn self care day :)

Welcome to your Autumn self care day

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:46:28 UTC

Taking care of yourself is really important when you work in early years. As a practitioner, you spend a lot of time helping and supporting young children, which can be both rewarding and tiring. If you don’t look after your own health and wellbeing—like getting enough rest, eating well, and taking breaks—it can be harder to stay patient, calm, and focused. When you feel good, you’re better able to give children the care and attention they need. Prioritising self-care also sets a great example for children, showing them that looking after yourself is a normal and healthy part of life.

That's why today, we ask you to do just that. Practice self care. Your 'work' today is to take part in self care activities like the ones we've included here and tell Sarah and I all about your day.

Why is self care important as an EYP?

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:50:12 UTC

Working and studying in early years can be challenging because it involves balancing practical, hands-on work with young children alongside academic learning and assignments. The work itself is physically and emotionally demanding—you're constantly on your feet, managing routines, supporting children's development, and responding to their needs. At the same time, studying requires focus, time management, and reflection, which can feel overwhelming when combined with long shifts or placements. That’s why it’s so important for students to prioritise self-care. Looking after your own wellbeing helps you stay healthy, manage stress, and maintain the energy and motivation needed to succeed in both your studies and your work with children. When you take care of yourself, you’re also better equipped to provide high-quality care and be a positive role model for the children you support.

5 minute self care

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:51:37 UTC

Just 5 minutes can make all the difference

self care ritual

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:52:42 UTC

Don't focus on how picture perfect her room looks! But think about the act of resetting and organising, how it can give us the dopamine feel good factor we need on a self care day.

Cooking cosy recipes

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:54:54 UTC

If you don't like veg, then pasta is my go to for comfort food in Autumn

ASMR rainy Autumn walk

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 08:56:20 UTC

If you don't want to get wet on a walk today, relax and listen/watch this one from the comfort of your home

Autumn meditation

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 09:00:02 UTC

Find a cosy spot and set time aside for meditation

Film time

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 09:05:01 UTC

Did you know that i player is free to watch from your phone or TV? Right now they are showing Baz Lurmans Romeo & Juliet. Click the link above to sign up.

Sally - pumpkin carving

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 09:09:19 UTC

ok so I cheated, this is from last year, but pumpkin carving is a great self care idea!

I remember really enjoying taking time out to create something that didn't have a purpose, other than to make me smile. It's rare we get to do things like that :)

Autumn self care ideas

sallysquires — 2025-10-20 09:12:57 UTC

some ideas to get you thinking about your plans today

Jess and Rosie

30229676 — 2025-10-20 09:14:39 UTC

Jess is round Rosies, and for our self care day we’re watching movies and we’re taking Rosies dog for a walk.

30231323 — 2025-10-20 09:17:10 UTC

i cleaned my room and ate a cheese string

2025-10-20 09:34:50 UTC

For my self care day I’m binge watching Wednesday with a hot chocolate.

30231711 — 2025-10-20 10:40:13 UTC

for my self care day i’m watching hocus pocus with my dog

Giulia yuosf

2025-10-20 10:43:33 UTC

For my self care day I tidied up my room and then binge watching stranger things from season 1 .

Jazz

30230648 — 2025-10-20 10:49:59 UTC

Me and Wilson have made banging hot chocies we’re about to watch Texas chainsaw massacre 🤪🤪🤪 with heated blankets

30232985 — 2025-10-20 10:50:09 UTC

For my self care day I’m binge watching the rookie whilst eating some chocolate

Mine and Hudsons self care day

2025-10-20 11:01:22 UTC

After cleaning around and putting the same toys away 5 times me and Hudson are now eating fish fingers before getting ready to go on a walk

Self Care day

30219124 — 2025-10-20 11:12:16 UTC

For my self care day i’m binge watching loads of old movies

30231963 — 2025-10-20 11:12:34 UTC

for my self care day i took my dog on a walk

2025-10-20 11:52:59 UTC

My self care day i have been sat in torbay hospital for 3 hours and now eating a meal deal in the car😂

30218168 — 2025-10-20 11:59:45 UTC

My self care day is eating a sandwich while binge watching friends

For my self care day I am binge watching friends

30218168 — 2025-10-20 12:06:43 UTC

30230621 — 2025-10-20 12:51:27 UTC

today I went to the gym and have been watching films, about to go to work now 😢😢

30232682 — 2025-10-20 13:55:10 UTC

For my self care I've watched insidious and then I finished My book

Travelling to Bognor Regis

30217194 — 2025-10-20 15:51:17 UTC

30233787 — 2025-10-20 16:36:43 UTC

Milly cleaned my car😁

2025-10-20 18:34:50 UTC