07/15/2026
Have you ever noticed that when you’re tired, hungry, stressed, or not feeling well physically, your emotions seem so much bigger? That’s not just in your head—our physical health and emotional health are closely connected.
One of my favourite skills from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is called PLEASE. It’s a simple reminder that taking care of our bodies is an important part of taking care of our minds.
PLEASE stands for:
* P – Treat Physical illness (take care of your health and seek treatment when needed)
* L – Balance your Eating (regular, nourishing meals can make a big difference in mood and energy)
* E – Avoid mood-altering substances when possible.
* A – Get enough Sleep (your brain and body need rest!)
* S – Get regular Exercise (movement doesn’t have to be intense—even a walk counts)
* E – Remember that these habits help build emotional resilience.
When we’re emotionally overwhelmed, we often jump straight to trying to “fix” our thoughts or feelings. Sometimes, though, the most compassionate thing we can do is ask ourselves, “Have I eaten today? Am I getting enough sleep? Have I moved my body? Am I taking care of my physical health?”
The PLEASE skill helps reduce emotional vulnerability by strengthening the foundation our mental health is built on. It won’t make difficult emotions disappear, but it can make them feel more manageable and give us a better chance of responding rather than reacting.
