Did you know Marquette’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, is free, confidential and available to all employees and their family members? Services available include six free sessions with a master’s-level counselor, assistance with work-life issues and identification of local resources.
Call LifeMatters anytime at 1-800-634-6433 or visit their website (the password can be found on the Marquette EAP webpage).
As a reminder, employees and their families enrolled in a Marquette medical plan also have access to mental health care through UMR’s network of providers. Learn more about how your plan covers mental health care or search for a mental health provider.
Learn more from Nurturing mental health: the power of self-care – from LifeMatters
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, taking care of our mental health has become more crucial than ever. As we navigate through various challenges and stressors, it is important to prioritize self-care to promote our emotional wellbeing. This article explores the significance of self-care and provides practical tips to incorporate it into our daily lives.
Understanding self-care:
Self-care refers to the deliberate and conscious actions we take to preserve and enhance our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. It involves recognizing our personal needs and taking steps to meet them in a healthy and balanced way. Self-care is not indulgence or selfishness; rather, it is an essential practice that enables us to function optimally and maintain a positive mindset.
The benefits of self-care:
Engaging in regular self-care activities can have numerous positive effects on our mental health. It helps to reduce stress, boost resilience and enhance overall emotional wellbeing. Self-care also promotes self-awareness, allowing us to identify and address any issues or challenges before they escalate. By carving out time for ourselves, we can recharge our energy, improve our mood, and cultivate a greater sense of self-worth.
Incorporating self-care into daily life:
- Prioritize sleep: Quality sleep is vital for mental health. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a peaceful environment conducive to restful sleep.
- Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your routine.
- Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, help to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Nourish your body: Eat a balanced diet that includes nutritious foods to support your mental and physical wellbeing.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no when necessary and establish boundaries to protect your mental and emotional energy.
- Engage in hobbies: Dedicate time to activities you love, whether it’s reading, painting, dancing or any other creative outlet that brings you joy.
- Connect with others: Cultivate healthy relationships and seek social support. Spending quality time with loved ones can provide a sense of belonging and support.
- Take breaks: Allow yourself regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and reset. Stepping away from work or responsibilities can improve productivity and prevent burnout.
Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining good mental health. By incorporating self-care practices into our daily routines, we can nurture our emotional wellbeing, reduce stress and enhance overall life satisfaction. Remember, self-care is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Take the time to care for yourself so that you can show up as your best self in all aspects of life.
