Don’t hesitate. Vaccinate. vaccines.gov Self-care resolutions for mental and emotional wellness THE NEW YEAR is fast approaching, and if you’re thinking about resolutions for 2026, here’s one to consider: self-care. Here’s why: Self-care is about taking time to nurture your mental and emotional health—and it goes way beyond spa days or bubble baths. WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT? These days, there’s no shortage of stressors in daily life. Sometimes it may feel impossible to keep up with the demands of work, family, finances and current events. Even social activities and hobbies can feel like work. It can be easy to forget to take care of yourself, but over time, this self-neglect may: ● Spike your stress. ● Make you feel exhausted and overwhelmed. ● Increase your risk for anxiety and depression. ● Negatively affect your relationships. ● Damage your physical health. SELF-CARE SAVVY Regular self-care helps you boost your mental and emotional well-being—and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. You can tailor your routine to meet your needs, preferences and time constraints while still reaping the benefits. Not sure where to start? Add a few of these strategies to your list for 2026. Spend time with your pet. Their unconditional love can raise the feel-good chemicals in your brain. Get quality sleep. Most adults need seven or more hours each night. Exercise daily. Aim for 30 minutes, and mix up your routine. Eat mood-boosting foods. Make sure your diet includes things like nuts; dark, leafy greens; beans; fresh fruits and vegetables; and fatty fish. Say “ahhh.” Deep breathing exercises or yoga can help you unwind. Journal. Devote time each day to writing down your emotions without judging them. Give therapy a try. It can help you learn to cope with and accept your emotions and heal from painful experiences. Get back to nature. Whether you’re hiking in the wilderness or walking through a city park, being outdoors in nature is a tried-and-true way to feel better. Volunteer. You’ll feel good when you help a cause you believe in. See a friend. Face-to-face contact helps you feel less alone. Start a daily gratitude habit. Jot down or reflect on everything you’re grateful for. Check in with yourself. Pause; take a deep breath; and become aware of all your feelings, emotions and physical senses. Ask yourself what you really need right now. Sources: American Psychological Association; HelpGuide; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration —Continúa de la portada RESPALDADA POR SU EQUIPO Barrera trabaja en la oficina de facturación de UMH. Sus colegas y sus seres queridos se reunieron para apoyarla en su tratamiento contra el cáncer, lo cual le ayudó “a superar muchas cosas”, dice. Barrera recibió 16 rondas de quimioterapia. Su esposo, sus hijos y otros seres queridos la Rodeada de apoyo apoyaron en casa. También lo hicieron sus compañeros de trabajo. “Todos los martes que recibía quimioterapia, se turnaban para traerme la cena para que no tuviéramos que cocinar y yo pudiera descansar”, dice Barrera. El otoño pasado, ella tocó la campana en el centro oncológico para marcar el final de ese tratamiento. “Se sintió bien”, dice Barrera. “Mi objetivo era que esa campana sonara, no solo para mí, sino para que mis hijos pudieran ver lo fuerte que era”. A continuación, comenzará la radioterapia. Y pueden apostar a que sus compañeros y seres queridos estarán allí para apoyarla en cada paso del camino.
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