Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 4:4

Self-care…. This is a term that is beginning to be used in the millennial culture. People say phrases such as I matter, I am setting boundaries, I am putting me first, etc. Although the self-care phrases are being seen more often in this time, the term itself is not new. What exactly is self-care? How do we get optimal selfcare? Do I have a self-care routine?

Self-care is not a term used to be selfish or to self-indulge. According to Merriam-

Webster dictionary, self-care is the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's health. Self-care means taking care of yourself

to be healthy, be well, do your job, help, and care for others, and do all the things you need or want to accomplish in the day. Self-care is more than just physical or medical. It is emotional, spiritual, financial, social, etc. We must consider all parts of ourselves to be well.

We live in a society that has several daily stressors. There is an epidemic of individuals who experience the symptoms daily of anxiety and depression. Selfcare can be part of the solution as it pertains to daily stressors. The world we live in is so fast past, and it is even more so now than ever with the pace of technology and that being the basis of how we communicate and complete work tasks. With the pandemic beginning a couple of years ago, people felt lonelier and more isolated and now they are having to transition back to the business of the day.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, working father and husband, or simply trying to keep up yourself and all your many to-do's, it is important to check in with yourself. When was the last time you asked yourself this question: How am I doing? We ask everyone else how they are doing, but what about asking ourselves that question. When you check in with yourself,

it allows you to self-investigate what you need and when you need it. I want to share with you some basic self-care tips you add to your toolbox if you ever need them. 1. Eat a well-balanced nutritious meal a. Are you taking vitamins? b. Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables? 2. Get enough sleep. a. Some of us need 8 hours. Some of us only need 6 hours. Just get what you need. 3. Be kind to yourself. a. If you need to take time off, do so. b. If you need to sleep instead of going to the party or hanging out, then do so. c. It is okay to say NO. 4. Exercise a. Some fresh air and Vitamin D are so good for you. Take time to get outside and move. b. It does not have to be fancy, just do it like Nike. 5. Live in the present a. Most of us worry about the past or we are consumed with the future. b. Try to focus on here and now. 6. Start a gratitude journal a. This helps with staying in the present. b. This also allows you to realize the benefits or blessings in your life. 7. Take dedicated breaks from electronics a. This can be done by going outside to exercise or reading a book.

The items listed previously are just a few suggestions to maintain a healthy you. There are other things that you can create and add to your list. Take some time today. Right now! Self-care should not be a special occasion, but a daily occasion.

You can like The Healing Page on Facebook. We go live twice a month on Mondays at 7:30 pm. We discuss the holistic health of an individual. You can also subscribe to our YouTube channel, the Healing Room w/ N. Fleming. "Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful parts of us." David Richo

Sunday, April 17