(Post share from the IRATAD Blog)
To better care four ourselves we need to pay attention to our physical, mental, social, and spiritual health and strive for a healthy balance amongst each of these dimensions. Caring for our physical health involves more than just exercising. We need to get adequate amounts of sleep, eat a healthy diet, and maintain good hygiene. Caring for our mental health includes reducing stress, finding healthy and positive experiences in our daily life, being mindful of the present situation, and doing things that help us stay mentally sharp. To care for our social needs we must engage in healthy activities with people who build us up and are positive influences on us; social isolation can lead to unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. Finally, caring for our spiritual health involves being able to see beyond ourselves and see the big picture. Spirituality involves being hopeful, recognizing our values, and doing things for the benefit of others. People may connect with spirituality by reading religious or inspirational texts, meditation or prayer, or by being in nature.
