By Sheila Banks
Communication Specialist
At Lutheran Life Villages (LLV) in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursdays are “spa” days. In the morning, residents have opportunity to get their hair done. And in the afternoon, it’s time for manicures.
In the environment at this care facility, it’s more than hair and nails. While the women gathered in the room, some were chatty, sharing their stories, and others were quick-witted and entertaining. Yet, another resident appeared to sit quietly, contentedly smiling, and taking it all in.
For the residents at LLV, they call spa days a “blessing.”
According to the Kentucky Counseling Center, “Embracing self-care isn’t vanity. It’s about finding balance between how you look and how you feel inside. Taking time to pamper yourself, whether through a facial, a new haircut, or simply prioritizing relaxation, boosts self-esteem and reduces stress.”
In “Caring for Your Mental Health,” the National Institute of Mental Health defines self-care as “taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health. This can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.”
Healthline’s definition is similar, but goes on to say, “This includes physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and spiritual wellness. It’s not necessarily about changing yourself but rather about creating routines that feel meaningful and nourishing.” In essence, self-care is a way to manage our overall heath—physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual—in meaningful and nourishing ways.
The benefits can include healthy stress management, lowered risk of illness, increase in energy, and improved self-esteem.
Senior Services of America shares that while there are many benefits of self-care activities for seniors, three of the most notable benefits are improved mental and physical health, increased independence and satisfaction, and enhanced social connections.
Healthline simplifies the areas of self-care as follows:
► Care for your body: Creating routine for diet, exercise, and sleep.
► Care for your inner self: Thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
► Care for your community: Nurturing friendships, family, and those around you.
Self-care is not one size fits all but varies from person to person. Just as unique as our personalities, strengths, abilities, and limitations, so will our approach be to self-care.
“Just about anything that fills your tank and is a healthy habit can be self-care,” shares Senior Services of America.
IDEAS FOR GETTING STARTED
► Get enough sleep
► Eat a well-balanced diet
► Take a walk
► Go outside and enjoy nature
► Plant a garden
► Write your thoughts or feelings in a journal
► Read or listen to an audio book
► Learn a new skill
► Engage in a favorite hobby
► Play a game
► Call a loved one
► Schedule dinner or coffee with a friend or family member
► Write a letter
► Attend church—get connected!
► Volunteer
These are just a few suggestions for caring for your overall health. Consider what activities and connections bring you joy as you navigate what self-care looks like for you.
Photo by Ashley Wiehe
Bev, a resident at Lutheran Life Villages in Fort Wayne, Ind., gets her nails done at a special pampering session on a Thursday afternoon.