Remember to take care of yourself first during times of stress

As the holidays approach, so does stress, which can cause physical and emotional health issues. Taking care of you is very important.

Q: So what should I know about self-care?

A: First make sure to make time for you.

According to Counseling Psychologist Raphailia Michael, writing for Psych Central, “self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health.” Self-care activities build us up to better manage all aspects of our daily lives, and they are effective when they are a planned part of our daily and weekly routines.

Eating a healthy diet, staying active and exercising regularly, getting lots of rest, and seeing your doctor regularly can all help to ensure overall good health. Beyond these general habits, you may also find ways to take care of yourself that are more unique to your particular needs and reflect what you enjoy doing.

Dino Schnelle participated in a Healthy Living workshop through LifePath. He reports, “The goal-setting and expectations-management tools have been one of the most important things that I learned, and the exercise and diet tools continue to help me reclaim my life.”

Self-care for people with chronic health conditions

For someone who is experiencing chronic health issues that limit your activities and socialization, LifePath’s Healthy Living program could offer ways to manage your health. Workshops cover topics such as managing pain, diabetes, and general chronic diseases; balance and fitness; and healthy eating. These programs will help you maintain good health and stay active. Learn more about Healthy Living workshops.

Self-care for caregivers

As a caregiver, it is important to take care of yourself. If you’re not well-fueled, you won’t have resources in your tank to care for others.

At times you may feel isolated. It is important to remember you are not alone. You could join a support group in person or online or stay active by becoming a member at your local YMCA. It is important to take a break and spend time with friends.

LifePath’s Caregiver Program is available to help and inform you about what types of services are available to you and your loved one. Ask what types of caregiver respite might be available so you can refresh and renew. It is important to reach out for help as no one can do it alone.

Self-care for mental health

If you are experiencing feelings of overwhelming stress or anxiety, intense emotional situations or are having difficulty engaging in regular daily activities, the Behavioral Health Outreach for Aging Populations program can help with these problems that are impacting your emotional wellbeing. Our team can help make referrals and educate you about possible resources.

Most importantly, communicate to your primary care physician about what you are experiencing as this is key to getting good medical care. Your doctor can also make referrals for respite, in-home care, YMCA-sponsored programs, or counseling along with assessing your overall wellbeing both physically and emotionally.

Additional self-care resources

Call the Information and Caregiver Resource Center at LifePath at 413-773-5555 or 978-544-2259, or send us an email, for more information or click here for additional resources.

Remember, you’re not alone; help is out there.