Taking Care of Me!

There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves; physically, emotionally, and mentally.  Sometimes, a change in one area can positively impact change in other areas. Here are some ideas to consider.

Physical Health:

  • Eating nutritious foods
  • Exercising
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Getting good sleep

Emotional Health:  

  • Learning to say no (or some other sentence to create distance/boundaries) to unhealthy people, places, activities
  • Growing your circle of friends and support system
  • Improving self-confidence by taking on new hobbies, skills or tasks

Mental Health:

  • Relaxation techniques can help us move through any disturbing/upsetting feelings. When practiced often, they can become a tool for maintaining a healthy mind set.  Some methods to try include:
    • Focused breathing
    • Body scan/muscle relaxation
    • Guided imagery
    • Meditation Repetitive prayer/saying
  • Medication Assessment – Sometimes, individuals need medications to help provide their brains with the balance of chemicals that it needs to function at its best. A psychiatrist is a doctor that can help you with that. Call to set up an initial assessment.

Natural / Alternative Therapies:

Some people find natural therapies helpful such as vitamins/supplements, yoga, acupuncture, essential oils, massage, etc. Please consult with your physician.

Online Resources / Apps:

There are some great e-resources to help you learn more about taking care of yourself.  Try online searches for apps focused on:

  • Breathing and calming
  • Mindfulness
  • Stress-breaking
  • Meditation
  • Improving sleep

Not all apps and resources are equally useful.  Both Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) are good sites to check if you have doubts about suggested methods you come across in your search.

  • For more information, call 211 or search our online database at: 
  • helplinecenter.org/2-1-1
  • Enter your Zip Code
    • Select Mental Health category
      • There are multiple subcategories to explore
      • You can also create a customized list.  Add individual programs/offices by clicking the “Add to My List” icon, or add a whole category by clicking “Save Category”

Sources: 

Updated: June 2022