Did you know that Marquette’s employee assistance program, LifeMatters, is free, confidential, and available to all employees and their families? Available services include six free sessions with a master’s level counselor, and assistance with life issues, and identifying community resources.
Contact LifeMatters anytime at 1-800-634-6433 or visit their website (password can be found on the Marquette EAP web page).
As a reminder, employees and their families enrolled in Marquette health plans also have access to mental health care through UMR’s network of providers. Learn more about how your plan covers mental health care or find a mental health provider.
Learn more from Cultivating Mental Health: The Power of Self-Care – life matters
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. As we navigate challenges and stressors, it’s important to prioritize self-care to promote mental health. This article explores the importance of self-care and provides practical tips for incorporating self-care into your daily life.
Understand self-care:
Self-care refers to the intentional and conscious actions you take to maintain and improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. It involves recognizing our personal needs and taking steps to meet them in a healthy and balanced way. Self-care is not self-indulgence or selfishness. Rather, it is an essential habit that allows us to function optimally and maintain a positive mindset.
Benefits of self-care:
Engaging in self-care activities on a regular basis can have many positive effects on our mental health. It helps reduce stress, increase resilience, and improve overall mental health. Self-care also promotes self-awareness, allowing you to identify and address problems and challenges before they escalate. By making time for yourself, you can recharge your energy, improve your mood, and develop a greater sense of self-worth.
Incorporate self-care into your daily life:
- Make sleep a priority: Quality sleep is essential for your mental health. Establish consistent sleep habits and create a peaceful environment conducive to restful sleep.
- Participate in physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood. Find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.
- Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Nourish your body: Eat a balanced diet containing nutritious foods to support your mental and physical health.
- Set boundaries: Learn how to say no when necessary and establish boundaries to protect your mental and emotional energy.
- Engage in hobbies: Spend time doing activities you enjoy, such as reading, painting, dancing, or other creative activities that bring you joy.
- Connect with others: Cultivate healthy relationships and seek social support. Spending quality time with loved ones can give you a sense of belonging and support.
- Take breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the day to recharge and reset. Taking time away from work and responsibilities can increase productivity and prevent burnout.
Prioritizing self-care is essential to maintaining good mental health. Incorporating self-care practices into your daily life can foster mental health, reduce stress, and increase overall life satisfaction. Remember, self-care is not a luxury. It’s a must have. Take time to take care of yourself so you can be your best self in all areas of your life.
