ACEs Aware Self-Care Tool for Adults
When a person has experienced significant Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their body
may make more or less stress hormones than is healthy. This can lead to physical and/or mental
health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, smoking, or unhealthy use of alcohol
or other drugs. Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships can protect our brains and bodies from
the harmful effects of stress and adversity. The following tips can help you manage your stress
response. Healthy nutrition, regular exercise, restful sleep, practicing mindfulness, building social
connections, and getting mental health support can help decrease stress hormones and improve
health. Here are some goals you can set to support your health. [Check the goals that you are
choosing for yourself!]
❏ Healthy relationships. I’ve set a goal of...
❏ Spending more high-quality time together with loved ones, such as:
❏ Having regular meals together
❏ Having regular “no electronics” time for us to talk and connect with each
other
❏ Making time to see friends and create a healthy support system for myself
❏ Connecting regularly with members of my community to build social connections
❏ Asking for help if I feel physically or emotionally unsafe in my relationships
❏ The National Domestic Violence hotline is 800-799-SAFE (7233)
❏ The National Sexual Assault hotline is 800-656-HOPE (4673)
❏ To reach a crisis text line, text HOME to 741-741
❏ Create your own goal: ______________________________________
❏ Exercise. I’ve set a goal of...
❏ Limiting screen time to less than __ hours per day
❏ Walking at least 30 minutes every day
❏ Finding a type of exercise that I enjoy and doing it regularly
❏ Create your own goal: ______________________________________
❏ Nutrition. I’ve set a goal of...
❏ Eating a healthy breakfast daily (with protein, whole gains, and/or fruit)
❏ Drinking water instead of juice or soda
❏ Limiting my alcohol consumption