Caring for Yourself to Care for Others

Nora Rhoades, Family and Youth Development Agent

Taking care of yourself makes it easier to care, share and connect with your partner and your family. Here are some tips:

• Avoid accusatory statements so the listener is more willing to respond positively.

• To feel good and have more energy for family activities, make healthier choices about what to eat.Try to eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and fewer foods with sugar listed as one of the first three ingredients.

• Use humor to lighten the mood during challenging times. Humor can help manage stress and ease tension for you and those around you.

• Think positively about your life to improve both your well-being and your relationships.Try to view roadblocks as opportunities to learn and be optimistic about the future.

For more tips to help improve your self-care, checkout the resource Caring for Yourself to Care for Others at http://www.fcs.uga.edu/docs/01_CFS-F2.pdf