Tips for Promoting Self-Care in Everyday Life

Self-care is mentioned a lot these days, especially as a strategy to reduce stress and bounce back from challenges.

But like many things, self-care has become more commercialized in recent years. There is a common misconception that self-care is all about spa days, meditation, bubble baths and pampering. While those experiences can be part of over-arching self-care, there is a much deeper approach needed to nurture and sustain your everyday life.

To reap the true benefits of “self-care,” the following tips can help:

Change your perspective. Instead of viewing self-care as “treating yourself,” it’s helpful to view it as a how-to guide for taking care of yourself. With this approach, self-care becomes more practical, personal, and intentional. It becomes part of your everyday routine, which can then strengthen overall health and help build resilience when facing life’s challenges.

Begin with the basics. Educate yourself on what self-care truly is—and how it’s meant to support you in all aspects of life. This month’s Wellness article is a good place to start. It also provides guidelines for incorporating small doses of self-care into your everyday life.

Look within. Life has many different facets, and they’re all connected. If you’re facing challenges with your physical health, financial health, caregiving responsibilities, or job satisfaction, your mental health and emotional well-being is likely to be impacted as well. By taking stock of your life, you can discover which areas are causing the most stress—and then take steps to address the root of the problem.

Consider your Assistance Program. Reach out to your Assistance Program for personalized support to manage stress, improve self-care, and address any underlying issues that may be taking a toll on mental health and emotional well-being. Your Assistance Program also provides support for whole health, with financial consultation, legal consultation, referrals for childcare and eldercare, and so much more.

To learn more, contact your Assistance Program directly for additional information and resources.