Did you know that 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. Contact LifeMatters anytime by calling 1-800-634-6433, texting “Hello” to 61295, or visiting their website (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.
The importance of self-care for maintaining mental health – from LifeMatters
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of daily life and neglect our mental wellbeing. However, taking care of our mental health is crucial for leading a fulfilling and balanced life. Self-care plays a pivotal role in maintaining good mental health and is an essential practice that everyone should prioritize. In this article, we will explore the importance of self-care and provide practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily routine.
- Understanding mental health: Before delving into the significance of self-care, it’s important to understand what mental health entails. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act, and influences our ability to handle stress, make decisions and maintain relationships. Neglecting our mental health can lead to a range of issues such as anxiety, depression and burnout.
- The role of self-care: Self-care involves taking deliberate actions to prioritize our physical, emotional and mental well-being. It is not a selfish act but rather a necessary practice to maintain a healthy and balanced life. Engaging in self-care activities helps reduce stress, improve mood, boost self-esteem and enhance overall mental resilience. It is an essential tool for preventing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.
- Types of self-care: Self-care encompasses various activities that cater to different aspects of our well-being. Physical self-care includes exercise, healthy eating and adequate sleep. Emotional self-care involves activities like journaling, practicing mindfulness or engaging in hobbies that bring joy. Social self-care focuses on nurturing healthy relationships and seeking support from loved ones. Intellectual self-care includes stimulating the mind through reading, learning or engaging in creative pursuits. Spiritual self-care involves practices like meditation, yoga or connecting with nature.
- Incorporating self-care into daily life: Making self-care a priority requires conscious effort and intention. Here are some practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily routine:
- Start with small steps: Begin by identifying activities that bring you joy and relaxation and allocate time for them regularly.
- Create a self-care routine: Develop a schedule that includes self-care activities and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself.
- Practice mindfulness: Be present in the moment and engage fully in the self-care activities you choose.
- Set boundaries: Learn to say no to activities or commitments that overwhelm you and prioritize your own well-being.
- Seek support: Reach out to trusted friends, family or professionals when you need assistance or guidance.
Prioritizing self-care is crucial for maintaining good mental health. By incorporating self-care activities into our daily routine, we can reduce stress, enhance our emotional well-being and build resilience. Remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for leading a balanced and fulfilling life.
