During the month of July, people around the world will be celebrating self-care practices and interventions and the difference they can make to everyone’s lives. Self-care actions are habits, practices and lifestyle choices – things that we can do to help look after ourselves and lead a healthier life. They include but are not limited to:
- Taking regular physical activity – physical activity has huge health benefits for our hearts, minds and bodies. Did you know that physical activity helps to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety? It also helps with thinking, learning and making judgements.
- Eating a healthier diet – eat a variety of foods including whole grains, nuts, lots of fruit, and vegetables, and legumes like lentils and beans. And don’t forget foods from animal sources like meat, fish, eggs and milk.
- Looking after our mental health – good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being. Things that help us look after our mental health include following a healthier lifestyle; spending time in nature and outdoors; talking to family and friends; getting a good night’s sleep; managing stress and limiting ‘high-risk’ situations; talking about mental health problems as they arise and seeking help when needed.
- Limiting or quittting use of alcohol and tobacco.
Courtesy of the World Health Organization
Useful Resources
- “Why Self-Care Matters for Both Employers and Employees” from Heartmanity’s Blog, looks at how self-care is a lifestyle, not just a spa day!
- CCOHS OHS Answers Fact Sheets about how fatigue looks at workplace and how to address.
- Workplace Strategies for Mental Health has free resources on topics such as mental health awareness and healthy break activities.
- Mental Health Commission of Canada has all the information about following the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety.
- Read more about Self-Care from other organizations.
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