Awareness

Month - Practicing SelfCare

As part of our continued coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to highlight the importance of taking time for self-care to reduce stress. What kind of selfcare do you practice for your mental health? Here is some information on self-care and ways you can incorporate it into your daily routine. According to Psychology Today:

 Engaging the body can help alleviate stress because it helps you bypass a lot of unhelpful mental chatter.

 Getting in touch with your values is a sure way to cope with stress and foster a calm mind.

 When under stress, it's important to not label emotions as “good” or “bad," and to practice self-compassion.

Consider these suggestions:

 Get moving with exercise, run, walk, dance, yoga, etc.

 Take in nature with a hike, gardening, photography, or watching a sunset

 Indulge your mind with puzzles, journaling, or reading

 Pause and practice mindfulness, prayer, breathing exercises

 Connect with others for a meal, activity or just to chat

Heat + Humidity = Danger

Outdoor temperatures are starting to heat up, including the humidity levels. That combination of heat and humidity can be dangerous. Whether you are working in the field, or in your back yard, numerous variables can influence the way your body handles the heat, such as your level of hydration, age, physical conditioning, weight, medications and the humidity/heat index.

Be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat related illness and know first aid for treating yourself, family member or co-worker. When you are outside, remember to take proactive, preventive steps to minimize the risk of heat-related stress. Do not underestimate the safety and health dangers associated with heat stress. While on the job, notify your supervisor or co-worker if symptoms develop because the seriousness of the situation can escalate quickly. Be aware that heat stroke is an immediate threat to life call 9-1-1. Respect the heat, be careful and be safe!