September is here! Our team at Avenue Women’s Center would love to wish you a Happy Self-Care Awareness Month! I couldn’t think of a better time to focus on the importance of self-care. This topic is always relevant, no matter what season you’re in (of the calendar year or of life). But I feel that September is an especially appropriate time to talk about self-care, because early fall tends to introduce so many changes. There are the obvious seasonal transitions (autumn colors, apple picking, pumpkin spice… what’s not to love?). For students and their families, the back-to-school season usually ushers in a busy period of schedule shifting and a flurry of new activities. It can be hard to adjust! Self-care could be a useful coping tool for you to utilize this fall and beyond.
Managing change doesn’t come naturally to many of us. But what if you’re facing a particularly significant change, one that has the potential to impact your life long-term? What if you’re going through an unexpected pregnancy? You may be feeling scared and overwhelmed beyond words. If this is true for you, know that Avenue Women’s Center is in your corner. We’re an early pregnancy center offering free first-step pregnancy support to help you thrive, even during this stressful time.
Check out our “About” page to learn more!
Useful Tips for Self-Care
According to a blog from Psychology Today, self-care, “includes nutrition, stress reduction, and exercise.” Its purpose is to help keep a person, “happy, healthy, and resilient.” Reaching this point may require a lot of time and focused effort. It’s good to move toward better self-care one small step at a time, and to practice acceptance if your attempts don’t seem to produce the feelings you’re hoping for. Remember that prioritizing self-care bit by bit can bring momentary relief. But more importantly, it can foster positive, lasting change by improving your ability to cope with stress. Here are a few tips from Psychology Today to help you get started on your own self-care journey!
- Create the right conditions in your schedule and environment to promote good sleep.
- Maintain a healthy diet to support your gut health. This may involve cooking at home sometimes.
- Care for your physical and emotional health by making exercise part of your daily routine.
- Create healthy boundaries (that means saying “no” to some things, sometimes).
- Engage in a fun activity, like a self-care trip, to get away from your normal routine and unwind.
- Spend time outside! Studies show that going outdoors can really improve a person’s physical and mental health.
- Enjoy the unconditional love, companionship, and tangible presence of a pet.
- Care for your space (and your overall well-being) by getting organized.
- Set aside a specific time for self-care, and follow through. Consider reading a self-care book or engaging in another activity that helps you relax.
Finding Beauty in Change
Any kind of change you encounter in life has the potential to create stress… even a positive or seemingly insignificant change. But it’s possible to discover acceptance (and even beauty) when it feels like the ground is shaking beneath you and the challenges are insurmountable. There isn’t necessarily a simple, step-by-step formula to reach this mindset. But by choosing to acknowledge change and practice healthy coping methods (like self-care), you may find gratitude and peace of mind in the middle of difficult circumstances.
Coping with change surrounding an unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging process. So can identifying the pregnancy outcome that’s right for you. Both will require courage and effort. But these truly are achievable goals to pursue. Avenue strives to help women move toward a positive future by offering the practical and emotional support they need to make a confident choice.
Our free services at Avenue Women’s Center include medical-grade pregnancy tests, limited medical ultrasounds, options consultations, and more! We believe that every person we serve is fully capable of adapting to change and discovering her own best path. Our services are meant to inform and empower you for your next steps. We’d love to navigate this road by your side, no matter where your journey leads!
Reach out to speak with an expert staff member and schedule a confidential appointment!
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Reference:
Psychology Today. (2018, December). Self-Care: 12 Ways to Take Better Care of Yourself. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/click-here-happiness/201812/self-care-12-ways-take-better-care-yourself
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.