SELF CARE

Self–care is basically the act of caring for you. Self-care includes anything you do to keep
yourself healthy: physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Although prioritizing self-care
may sound like common sense, especially if you’re considering longevity, it’s often the first
thing to go when we find ourselves in challenging situations, whether because of bad health,
a financial crisis, job loss, divorce, or in our current situation, the COVID-19 pandemic. This
is why it is important to keep it top of mind and not an after-thought, especially when we find
ourselves in challenging times.

Importance of self-care
In a society in which people are expected to work long hours and pass on vacation days, there
is an underlying belief that we must always be productive, which can ultimately take away
from opportunities for self-care.  But by taking some time out to engage in self-care, you may
relieve the pressures of everyday life and reset yourself to get back to a healthy point where
productivity is once again maximized and one great thing is that it does not have to cost a
the thing in other dimensions of self-care.

Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and
depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase
happiness, improve energy, and more. From a physical health perspective, self-care has been
clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in
tune with our higher power as well as realize our meaning in life.

How to Take Care of Yourself
Each of our plans will look different, but here are some suggestions to consider among each
of the eight domains. Feel free to modify, replace, or consider your own as you go along.
Remember, this is about you.
 Emotional – Talk to someone, reflect, journal, read, do something artistic, listen to
music, work out, take a walk, watch something that suits the mood (or does the
opposite and changes it, cry it out, hug someone, cuddle, laugh, take a nap.
 Environmental – Take a walk somewhere nice, breathe in fresh air, enjoy the sun,
enjoy the night sky, avoid littering, pick up litter, reduce waste, use reusable products,
recycle, clean your house, redesign a room.

• Financial – Develop a practical financial plan, open a savings account, start saving
  (even if $1 per day), try saving even more if you are already saving, invest, cut back
  on unnecessary purchases, consider where you can cut corners, avoid credit cards, ask
  for a raise.
• Intellectual – Read, listen to audiobooks, watch documentaries, complete puzzles, be
  mindful of the world around you, become curious, try something new, tap into your
  creative/artistic side, take a class, complete a program, graduate.
• Occupational – Learn a trade, get your degree, train for a promotion, accept the
  promotion, put together your resume, polish your resume, apply for your dream job,
  take on a task you enjoy, open your own business.
• Physical – Work out daily, take a walk, eat healthily, get your annual check-up, see the
  dentist, take medications as prescribed, avoid drugs and alcohol, get 7-9 hours of
  sleep, see the physician when you do not feel well.
• Social – Meet up with friends and family, keep in contact with old friends, volunteer,
  go out, have fun, engage in healthy social media use, exude positivity, utilize
  technology when distance is a factor, have a big laugh.
• Spiritual – Meditate, pray, reflect, engage in yoga, visit a meaningful site, do right by
  others, be mindful, consider your higher purpose and meaning, look to your higher
  power for support, love one another, help those in need.

CONCLUSION
Self-care is an important activity to do every day. Doing so will lead toward a better balance
among your dimensions of wellness and lead toward improved overall health and wellness.
Life is precious, and it is meant to be enjoyed.