The term “self-care” has gained traction in recent years – but what does it really mean and how does it benefit us and those we love? Put simply, self-care is taking intentional action to preserve and enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
The International Self-Care Foundation (ISAF) established Self-Care Day to be observed every July 24th (7/24) to signify observing self-care, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. While this may not always be possible thanks to our busy work and home lives, it’s vital that we do not feel guilty about taking time for our physical and mental health.
The Pillars of Self-Care
The pillars function like interconnected puzzle pieces, working together to create a picture of health.
- Health Literacy – Learning and applying health information to promote and maintain well-being.
- Have you taken STF courses with your local health promotion office on mental fitness, injury prevention, addiction risk and nutritional wellness?
- Mental Well-Being – Being mentally well extends beyond the absence of mental illness, it’s about being mentally fit which influences the way you think and behave when facing life’s demands.
- Do you have healthy stress coping strategies and a support network?
- Physical Activity – Any movement that you do, whether for fun, getting around, or as part of your job, contributes to maintaining your overall well-being.
- Are you following the recommendations of the Canadian 24 hours movement guidelines?
- Healthy Eating – Healthy food choices in line with Canada’s Food Guide support overall well-being and performance, and minimize the risk of chronic illnesses and health issues.
- Are you aware of the new Essential Nutrition Course and briefings available through your local Health Promotion Office?
- Risk Avoidance – Avoiding behaviours or situations that could lead to mild to severe health issues.
- Are you aware of policies, programs and services in place to protect health?
- Good Hygiene – Personal practices that help maintain cleanliness, prevent the spread of sickness and disease, and create a cleaner environment.
- Do you have good oral health and practice disease prevention?
- Responsible Use of Self-care Products and Services – Means safely and effectively managing health issues (where appropriate) with medicines, products and services by knowing what, how, and when to use them.
- Do you research the safety of health products before using them?
- Using substances can also come with risks.
- Sleep – Is recognized as a pillar of performance by the Canadian Armed Forces. It is recommended that adults aged 18 to 64 get seven to nine hours of good-quality sleep regularly for health benefits.
- What do you do to support a healthy sleep routine? Your local health promotion office can offer briefings on sleep and health, contact them!
Stay tuned for more self-care tips from Strengthening the Forces this summer! #STFselfcare
Leith Fermin-Rix, B.Sc., M.Ed. and Bahareh Samsamiardekani, M.Ed., M.HPE.
Leith and Bahareh, a part of the Strengthening the Forces Team, support the promotion of positive mental health and social wellness.
Strengthening the Forces (#STF) is the CAF/DND’s health promotion program providing expert information, guidance, training, tools, and leadership support to improve CAF members’ health and well-being.