Mega Doctor News
Typically viewed as a selfish indulgence, self-care is actually essential for maintaining a person’s overall health and wellbeing.
It refers to the deliberate act individuals take to care for their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing through a wide range of activities like rest, healthy habits, stress management and participation in hobbies, which can help individuals build resilience, increase their ability to endure life’s challenges and improve their quality of life.
Research shows a lack of self-care can result in burnout and an increase in anxious feelings, per the American Psychological Association (APA), with stress also playing a factor.
Nearly one in three U.S. adults report that stress affects their daily lives, per the APA, but most don’t prioritize self-care. That may be due to the challenges that come with the implementation of self-care strategies, according to health experts.
“While self-care is undeniably important, defining and identifying various aspects of it is a challenge,” says Jessica Becker, Chief Executive Officer, South Texas Health System Behavioral. “The various forms of self-care – physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social – involve different activities or actions, with each form being as important as the other, ultimately driving optimal health and wellbeing.”
Building one’s perfect self-care plan depends on an individual’s personal health and lifestyle and involves the integration of the right forms of self-care. The three vital steps include determining your overall level of health, recognizing your stressors and identifying your coping strategies.
“The bottom line is that self-care isn’t selfish – it’s survival,” says Becker. “Self-care allows an individual to show up as their best self in every aspect of life.”
So, to help residents across the Rio Grande Valley integrate the proper self-care strategies for their health and wellbeing, South Texas Health System Behavioral will dedicate its latest Let’s Talk Mental Health webinar to the important topic.
Streaming live via STHS’ Facebook page on Thursday, July 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., the online seminar will feature an STHS Behavioral mental health professional discussing the importance of self-care and providingpractical strategies for incorporating it into daily life.
For more information on the webinar, visit the STHS Facebook Events Page. If you’d like to view previous Let’s Talk Mental Health seminars, visit STHSLetsTalk.com.
