Self Care Workshop Lesson Plan
Self-Care Workshop
Instructional Facilitation Guide
Time: 60 Minutes
Audience: 9th-12th Grade Boys
Workshop Purpose
"In this workshop, students will explore various self-care techniques integrated into their daily lives, guided by key Ignatian reflection principles. This lesson helps students develop skills to enhance self-love, self-awareness, and self-control."
Key Concepts & Objectives
Self-Care & Love Prioritizing overall well-being.
Self-Awareness Recognizing moments of consolation/desolation.
Self-Control Discerning choices to maintain habits.
Ignatian Reflection Finding God in all things and daily habits.
Materials Needed
- Self Care Techniques Video
- Post-it notes
- Pens
- Personal Self-Care Plan Worksheet
Workshop Timeline
5 MINS
Introduction & Framing
- Greet students; introduce self-care as essential for mental, emotional, and physical health.
- Define Ignatian Reflection: Becoming aware of God's presence in daily choices.
- Watch: Self Care Techniques Video.
20 MINS
Personal Self-Care Plan Activity
- Distribute worksheets. Define Consolation (closer to God/peace) vs Desolation (further away/discord).
- Instruct students to identify 3 daily and 2 weekly activities.
- Facilitator Tip: Circulate to help students move from vague ideas (e.g., "be better") to specific actions (e.g., "10 mins reading before bed").
20 MINS
Group Sharing & Discussion
- Pair-Share: Discuss choices through the lens of consolation/desolation.
- Large Group: Identify common themes (e.g., sleep, gym, social connection).
- Focus on building a supportive environment where sharing vulnerability is respected.
10 MINS
Self-Control Reflection
How do we stick to it?
- Discuss discernment: Making choices that lead toward the plan rather than away from it.
- Share strategies: Setting phone reminders, habit-stacking, and removing distractions.
10 MINS
Closure & Reflection
- Post-it Reflection: Write one feeling about the plan + one moment of gratitude.
- Share selected reflections anonymously.
- Encourage students to keep the worksheet visible (e.g., locker or mirror).
Self Care Plan Worksheet
Personal Self-Care Plan
Reflect. Plan. Discern.
Name:
Date:
Daily Self-Care Routine
List at least three activities to relax, recharge, or feel good (e.g., meditation, reading, exercise).
Weekly Self-Care Activities
List at least two activities for long-term well-being (e.g., nature walks, hobbies, time with friends).
Purpose & Contribution
Why did you choose these activities? How do they make you feel and contribute to your well-being?
Plan Accountability
How will you ensure you stick to this? (e.g., reminders, friends, habit tracking)
Self-Control Strategies
How will you avoid distractions or set goals to stay on track?
Ignatian Reflection
Reflect on your day and identify moments of Consolation (feeling closer to God/Peace) and Desolation (feeling further from God/Discord). How can these reflections guide your self-care?
Consolation Highlights
Desolation Challenges
How does this awareness shape your choices?
Self Care Workshop Slides
Self-Care Workshop
Reflect. Plan. Act.
Self-Love
Awareness
Control
Why Prioritize Self-Care?
Mental Clarity
Reducing stress and improving focus for school and life.
Physical Energy
Maintaining the strength to pursue your passions.
Better Relationships
You can't pour from an empty cup.
"Finding God in all things starts with finding the presence of God in our own well-being and daily habits."
Self-Care Techniques
Embedded media
Take note of 2-3 techniques that resonate with you.
The Ignatian Lens
Consolation
Moments where you feel more alive, peaceful, and closer to God/your best self.
- • Gratitude
- • Energy
- • Deep Connection
Desolation
Moments where you feel drained, agitated, or distant from your purpose.
- • Anxiety
- • Withdrawal
- • Frustration
Your Self-Care Plan
1
Identify 3 Daily activities.
2
Identify 2 Weekly activities.
3
Reflect on Consolation & Desolation.
Task: Complete your worksheet now (20 mins).
Execution & Self-Control
Set Reminders
Use your phone or a calendar to bake it into your day.
Habit Stacking
Attach your new habit to something you already do.
Accountability
Share your plan with a friend who will check in.
"How will you handle the moments when you DON'T want to do it?"
Exit Ticket
On your Post-it note, write:
- 1. How you feel about your plan.
- 2. One thing you are grateful for today.
Keep your plan somewhere visible!
