What is Self-Care Week?
Between the 13th and 19th November, it is self-care week. Self-care week is the annual national event that raises awareness of what we can all do to improve our physical health and mental wellbeing. Incorporating the practise of self-care into our everyday lives can help us to live as healthily as possible.
Self-Care week is a perfect time to think about how we live our lives and maybe make some small changes that will improve our health and wellbeing, and that of our family. Those changes could mean looking at what we eat or drink, or how much exercise we do or how much sleep we are getting. They could be about our work-life balance, because staying connected to our friends and family is also vital to our wellbeing, and theirs.
What is happening for Self-Care Week 2023?
This year, the theme is Mind and Body. Physical and mental wellbeing are both important parts of staying healthy, and there’s evidence that suggests being as healthy as we can also help us to better cope with life’s challenges that come our way.
We can all do lots of different activities and make small changes to our behaviours to help boost our physical and mental wellbeing, including daily self-care activities.
For example you could:
- Work towards eating a more balanced diet
- Ensure that you have a good night’s sleep
- Get outside and notice nature
- Listen to your favourite music
- Make time for friends
- Get lost in a good book
- Count your steps – try to improve on yesterday’s number
Self-Care Support and Resources:
Knowing what to do and where to go for help is an important part of practising self-care for life.
Remember, it isn’t just the GP practice that can help, pharmacies are also health experts. They are on every High Street and can help with all sorts of ailments. Pharmacists can also signpost you to the right place for additional health advice or treatment. NHS 111 can also be a good resource for health advice for things that are not life-threatening. And the NHS website has lots of information on what steps to take to look after you and your family. https://www.nhs.uk/ The Self Care Forum also has some useful fact sheets you might like to download. https://www.selfcareforum.org/fact-sheets/
In the Sherborne area we have lots of groups that can help you to self-care. Some of these are listed below:
- The Chatty Café meets at the Pear Tree, 4 Half Moon Street, Sherborne every Monday from 2.00 to 3.30 and is a good place to make new friends and enjoy a nice conversation. Just drop in an you will be made welcome!
- Sherborne Health walks are free health walks starting from Paddock Gardens, Newland, Sherborne. They set off on Fridays at 2.00pm. Call 07825691508 to find out more.
- The Sherborne Library is an excellent place to discover new books and also to learn new skills. The library host numerous reading groups and also host the digital champions who can help you with any technology questions.
- The Wednesday Club is a social group that meets at Richmond Green Community Room, Richmond Green, Sherborne on the first Wednesday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. Sessions feature entertainments, tea/coffee and a raffle. Contact Jane Carling to find out more – email: ejcarling@gmail.com or call 07814511294
