Self Care

SELF CARE: A HEALTHIER LIFE STARTS WITH TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST

Self-care starts with the conscious decision to devote time and energy to your wellness. This could mean making certain modifications to your lifestyle to alleviate stress and promote health. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This makes us look at all dimensions of how a person functions physically, mentally, and socially, all of which are essential to a person’s wellbeing and life satisfaction.

There are many ways you can care for yourself.

Fitness and a well-balanced diet are important to physical health.

Meditation, relaxation, and positive self-talk are great ways to care for yourself mentally each day.

Discover activities that you enjoy doing and set aside time especially for them.

This could be journaling, reading your favorite book, crafting, and playing or listening to music. Others may enjoy spending time outdoors, going on a short walk around your block or adventuring a bit further to find a new hiking trail, casting your line into a nearby river while you wait for a fish to bite, or simply soaking up some sunshine on the back porch and listening to the birds while you sip on a cup of tea. Every person is different so try multiple things to find what makes you feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Social health is also essential. One of the most important ways you can care for yourself socially is setting healthy boundaries with others. Form a good support system. This may consist of friends, family, neighbors, a faith-based community, or coworkers. Nurture these relationships with kindness and understanding, but do not forget to be kind to yourself.

Remember self-care starts with you and your choice to make a change to lead a healthier life.