College of Education Self-Care

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SUN Program

Welcome to our College of Education Self-care Initiative, informally called Self-care for U at Northridge, the SUN Program.

It is so wonderful that you are considering self-care as an important way to care for yourself and keep balance and health in your life. Self-care means taking responsibility for yourself to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle at work and in your personal world through individually determined, proactive activities. You are at your best when you attend to yourself in equal measure to others in day-to-day living! 

Self-Care News

Self-Care and peace

September 22, 2025

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Each year on September 21, the world observes the International Day of Peace, a time dedicated to strengthening the ideals of harmony and unity across nations. Few figures embody this vision more fully than Mahatma Gandhi, whose philosophy of nonviolence demonstrated that lasting change can be achieved through peaceful means. Peace results from understanding, beginning in small behavioral gestures like patience, the words we choose, and the respect we show to one another especially those with whom we disagree and/or don’t identify with in terms of background, geography or any other differentiator. Peace is built when we listen more deeply than we speak, when we seek solutions instead of divisions, and when we recognize the shared humanity that connects us all. This is our common ground and our common denominator as humans. Read more

Self-Care and and resilience

September 15, 2025

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It is so important to take care of ourselves and engage in strategies that support our resilience. Resilience has been defined by the American Psychological Association as “the human ability to adapt in the face of tragedy, trauma, adversity, hardship, and ongoing significant life stressors.” Taking care of yourself helps to keep you ready to deal with challenges and do the work so needed to change the world for the better. According to an online article in Resilient Educator, “if you take the time to help yourself, then you will be in a better position to help those around you who need assistance.” Read more

Self-care and life transitions

September 8, 2025

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Transitions are a normal part of life, and can be wonderful, stressful, and bittersweet all at the same time. We are saying goodbye to some amazing experiences  and transitioning toward a future which is currently unknown. So how do we navigate transitions? In an article from Psychology Today, Rubin Khoddam, Ph.D, states, "Life transitions are distinct shifts from one phase of life to another, marked by identifiable beginnings, turning points, and endings. During these transitions, individuals build upon earlier coping skills to navigate the process effectively. This journey is conceptualized as a series of stages encompassing entry, resolution, and personal growth." Dr. Jeremy Hunter, Founding Director of the Executive Mind Leadership Institute in Claremont, CA., adds, “Instead of seeing time as a straight line, if we see life as a series of cycles of growth, maturation, and death followed by rebirth, we can better understand why endings are necessary for new beginnings.” He further offers, “The ground beneath your feet may be shifting, but mindfulness can help you find your way forward with skill and passion.” Read more

Self-care and Labor Day

August 27, 2025

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Next Monday we celebrate Labor Day, originally designed to honor workers by giving a day off for rest. But what is the deeper meaning that can be understood from this holiday? We must make time to rest if we want to be happier and healthier. As important, we must actually believe that rest is essential for our well-being. Research strongly supports the value of rest and leisure activities, as discussed in Psychology Today article titled “Transform Labor Day into Leisure Day”. Numerous studies have found that “leisure increases people’s sense of control of their lives, clears the mind of work-related stress, leads to stronger relationships and more friendships, and even decreases blood pressure. Ultimately, it makes people healthier and happier.” So find ways to regularly rest for a multitude of benefits! Read more

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