3 minute read
PUT YOUR HEALTH FIRST
What is self-care? It’s the thoughtful practice of protecting and improving our own physical health and mental health within a balanced lifestyle. In these stressful and uncertain times, it’s never been more critical. Self-care includes the intentional acts of eating well, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a strong social network, tending to our spiritual needs, looking after our financial security, and so much more. Think of it as the gentle art of loving yourself.
Take action to improve your mental wellness. Take the stairs. Wake up early. Include coffee and tea in your diet. Monitor your sleep habits; six to eight hours is recommended. All these actions help reduce the risk of dementia and depression and contribute to overall well-being.
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Be open to mindfulness. Focus on the task at hand, eliminating distractions. Take slow deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth. Take note of your senses, appreciating what you see, hear, feel and taste. By slowing down, you can reduce your anxiety and enhance your enjoyment of the moment.
According to the Harvard Health Annual Report for 2023, science continues to find that people with an optimistic outlook enjoy longer, healthier lives. This is not having an upbeat attitude, but rather applying optimism to solve problems and improve circumstances. It suggests four practices which can help build optimism.
Jenna
• Look for opportunities. If things don’t go as planned, such as being too sick to work-out, do what you can like gentle stretching.
• Focus on your strengths. Make a list of your strengths and plan to focus on one each day. For example, if you are naturally curious, try something you have an interest in, but haven’t tried before.
Ipray that I never forget how I felt in the picture on the left. eighteen months ago, I was hopeless and felt just as worthless. I prayed that I wouldn't have to wake up to live another day. My unresolved trauma throughout my life had become too much. I was at the height of my alcoholism, drinking a fifth a day and in so much emotional and spiritual pain.
• Practice gratitude. Every day be sincerely grateful for at least one thing, such as a great meal.
• Create a mental image of your best possible self. Look forward five years and focus on the goals you need to achieve to get to that place. Focusing on possibilities is a positive activity.
Source: Harvard Health Annual 2023 Howard LeWine, M.D., Chief Medical Editor
Mission Statement
I was given a choice and an opportunity eighteen months ago, and hoping it was a way out. I left for rehab at Rainbows End thirty four days later and the journey had only just begun. The last year and a half has been the hardest, most beautiful, most rewarding, and most peaceful of my life. I have gained a love and an understanding for not only myself, but for those around me as well. I am blessed in my professional and personal life to help those still suffering today with their addiction. I have meaningful and honest connections with the people around me today. I am capable of handling even the worst situation with more love and more grace today. I am a work in progress, with the hope every day to be a better me than I was the day before. I have a beautiful and ever growing and changing relationship with a higher power of my own design and I have more blessings and more hope than I could have ever dreamed, even on my best day 18 months ago.
The Wellness Connection was developed to provide timely information on mental health issues, such as addiction, depression, grief and trauma, and showcase the community nonprofit services. We will highlight the services of a different nonprofit organization each month to give the community a better understanding of the broad scope of services offered. We will present stories of hope and encouragement as well as essays on related topics. We welcome your feedback. Contact us at RERCjournal@gmail.com
I wish I could give even just a glimpse of the hope and love I have discovered on this journey. I continue to do the next right thing, let go of things I cannot control, and exist for just one day at a time. Thankful every day for the opportunity to have lived this life.
Resources
Rainbow’s End Recovery Center www.rainbowsendrecoverycenter.com | 208 879-2267
Jenna H.
Men’s Second Chance Living www.msclhouse.org | 208 481-0182
“988” is the nationwide phone number to connect directly to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 12 Step Group Meetings, Mental Health Group Meetings The Sun Club www.sunclub.org
Rainbow s End Recovery Center www.rainbowsendrecoverycenter.com | 208 879-2267
Men’s Second Chance Living www.msclhouse.org | 208 481-0182
The Crisis Hotline www.thecrisishotline.org | 208 788-3596
NAMI www.nami-wrv.com | 208 481-0686
12 Step Group Meetings, Mental Health Group Meetings The Sun Club www.sunclub.org
NAMI www.nami-wrv.com | 208 481-0686
The Advocates For Survivors of Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault www.theadvocates.org | 208 788-4191
Advocates For Survivors of
St. Lukes Mental Health Services www.stlukesonline.org 208 788-2134
Publisher Nancy Colletti, Executive Director, Rainbow’s End Recovery Center
Editor In Chief Claudia Cabot Mohr, BA, MFA
Contact us: rercjournal@gmail.com
Creative Direction
The Suicide Hotline | DIAL 988
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