Session 04: Self-Care

Keeping Your Body Clean

Put simply, hygiene means to be clean
It can help you to live a healthy lifestyle by preventing people from catching or spreading illness
Maintaining a high level of personal hygiene can help increase a person’s confidence and self-esteem
If your body is clean and taken care of on the outside, it could help you to feel good on the inside
Hygiene can be a very personal topic
If you notice something new or different with your body that you are worried about, talk with a medical provider or someone you trust

Physical activity means movement of the body that uses energy
Regular physical activity helps improve your overall health and fitness
Walking, gardening, dancing, wheeling, swimming or playing sports are all examples of physical activity
It is important for you to move your body for exercise in the way that is best for you and your abilities
To learn more about physical activity specifically for people with disabilities, we suggest you continue to the Living Well in the Community program at your local Center for Independent Living

When you are building a healthy eating style all food and beverage choices matter
Focus on making healthy food and beverage choices from all five food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, and dairy to get the nutrients you need
Eat the right amount of calories for you based on your age, sex, height, weight, and physical activity level
Building a healthier eating style can help you avoid obesity and reduce your risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer

Stress is mental or emotional tension you may experience in challenging situations
Stress is our body’s normal response to the demands of life
Most people experience stress at some point in their lives
Examples of stress include: balancing your personal care and relationships, stress related to finances, searching for housing, or preparing for a move
Often large life events, even if they are good, can cause stress
Reducing your stress and finding ways to help you become less tense can be very beneficial to your overall health

Another part of self-care includes tasks that support a healthy lifestyle and a healthy home
Creating a healthy home includes cleaning, doing the dishes and doing laundry
Having a healthy home also helps you to keep up on other healthy choices
For example, it is easier to make healthier food choices when you have clean dishes to enjoy your meals
Part of being healthy in your home includes healthy relationships as well as budgeting and finance
Please visit Healthy Relationships or Budgeting & Finance for further information