Self-Care for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Health

Personal choices can affect your energy, clarity of thinking, ability to ward off illness, levels of stress, absorption of nutrients, and many other components that make up your overall well-being, including your heart and brain health.

For example, are you getting enough sleep? If not, you may have a rise in stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes arrhythmia and depression.

Recognize and focus on your own need to restore and re-balance on all levels:  body, mind, emotions and spirit. For example, to disengage from stressors and reduce tension, take regular one-minute breaks at your desk to breathe deeply, or set aside 45 minutes for a relaxing tub soak. Take a walk in nature. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or join a weekly group for an activity that you love.

Schedule time for your own well-being over the course of your week, like you would do for loved ones or work projects.

Suggestions: (remember it’s practice that will bring long-term changes):

• Take a walk in nature or set aside time to simply be in nature.
• Drink more water
• Get more rest
• Learn to meditate or listen to a guided meditation
• Create music or practice the art form you love
• Schedule treatments such as massages, facials, Healing Touch or acupuncture
• Take time to listen to your favorite feel-good music
• Create meals that are healthy for body, mind and spirit
• Spend quality time with friends and family – your community
• Take a class for the joy of learning something new
• Adjust bedroom lighting and electronics to enhance sleep