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Self-Care is a Conscious, Mindful Effort To Take Time to Take Care of Yourself - It's Not Selfish, it's Necessary!

Before you can "effectively" take care of others, you must first take care of yourself!

What Does Self-Care Mean to YOU?

Self-care means something different to everyone. What may be self-care for one, may be stressful for another.

  • Healthy Diet
  • Hydration 
  • Reading a book
  • Listening to music
  • Watching a movie
  • Exercise
  • Enjoy Nature- Hike, etc. 
  • Gardening
  • Fishing
  • Church or other Spiritual activities
  • Time with family
  • Time with a pet
  • Cooking/baking
  • Traveling
  • Spa day
  • Enjoy a hobby

People are like flowers. Without consistent nurturing and tending, they will wilt. With consistent nurturing and tending, they will thrive. 

Only you know what you need, to thrive. 

-Melissa Ackernecht, MS, Behavioral Support Specialist

Self-Care Tips

Have a nourishing routine: create a life around yourself that benefits your mental health and the areas of your life that need support. Make little changes first!

  • Schedule time for self-care.

  • Know the Wellness Dimensions and what they mean to and for you.

  • Self-care means taking time to do things you enjoy. Usually, self-care involves everyday activities that you find relaxing, fun, or energizing. These activities could be as simple as reading a book, or as big as taking a vacation.  

  • Make self-care a priority. There will always be other things to do, but don’t let these interrupt the time you set aside for self-care. Self-care should be given the same importance as other responsibilities.  

  • Set boundaries to protect your self-care. You don’t need a major obligation to say “no” to others- you self-care is reason enough. Remind yourself that your needs are important as anyone else’s.  

  • A few minutes of self-care is better than no self-care. Set an alarm reminding you to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a walk around the block, or an uninterrupted snack. Oftentimes, stepping away will energize you to work more efficiently when you return.  

  • Keep up with self-care, even when you’re feeling good. Doing so will keep you in a healthy routine. Plus, self-care might be part of the reason why you’re feeling good.