December - Self-Care
Time and Attention for You
Self-care is the intentional practice of nourishing your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It's more than just bubble baths and occasional indulgences; it's a holistic commitment to prioritize your needs, recharge your energy, and cultivate a healthy relationship with yourself. Whether through mindfulness exercises, regular exercise, adequate sleep, or engaging in activities that bring joy, self-care empowers individuals to manage stress, enhance resilience, and foster a profound sense of self-awareness and balance in the midst of life's demands. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.
Here are some tips from the National Institute of Mental Health to help you get started with self-care:
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can help boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Also, limit caffeinated beverages such as soft drinks or coffee.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which may incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy such as journaling.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to be mindful of what you have accomplished at the end of the day, not what you have been unable to do.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down at night, or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on positivity. Identify and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to your friends or family members who can provide emotional support and practical help.
Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find what you need and enjoy. It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you. In addition, although self-care is not a cure for mental illnesses, understanding what causes or triggers your mild symptoms and what coping techniques work for you can help manage your mental health.
External Webinars
Homewood Health: Practicing Mindfulness and gratitude through the holidays https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxGS0u-4FmI (51:25min). Prerecorded webinar
While the winter holidays are meant to be a time of celebration and relaxation, for many people they also generate pressure and strain. This wellness session will touch on some of the common stressors that can emerge during this time, including changes to established habits and routines, social and family challenges, as well as increased feelings of grief, loneliness and sadness. The emphasis of the session will be on two research-based strategies to improve wellbeing: mindfulness and gratitude, both of which have been shown to increase physical and emotional health. Participants will be encouraged to develop habits that can be practiced throughout the holiday season in order to increase their resilience, connect meaningfully with others and experience more moments of joy and peace.
Developing Empathy in the Workplace https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGE_OVbPsok (58 min). Prerecorded webinar.
Empathy is a key component of emotional intelligence and those who practice empathy tend to be happier and attract friends more easily. In the workplace, empathy leads to more engaged employees, encourages innovation and increases cooperation. Research singles out empathy as a force for productivity, life-work integration and positive work experiences. In this session, participants will learn what empathy is and how to effectively practice empathy in the workplace, along with how to set healthy boundaries and practice self-care.
External Resources
Homewood Health Self-Care Starter Kit
Homewood Health Wellness During the Holiday Season
For other ideas for healthy practices for your mind, body, surroundings, and relationships, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Wellness Toolkits
LinkedIn Learning Balancing Work and Life
LinkedIn Learning Self-care and Support
LinkedIn Learning Tips for Finding Calm and Reducing Stress