Article by Jairo Ayala, Fairfax County Health Department, Division of Emergency Preparedness and Response
(Posted 2025 February)
2025 has kicked off, and it’s the perfect time to commit – or recommit – to focus on self-care.
Self-care is about recognizing and honoring your needs – physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual. Embracing regular self-care can be truly transformative, boosting your overall health, reducing stress, and deepening your sense of fulfillment.
Here are some practical steps to help you create a personal self-care plan that can be maintained throughout the year.
Steps to Creating a Self-Care Plan
- Assess Your Current Self-Care Habits: Start by evaluating what you’re already doing well and identifying areas that need more attention. There are many online self-care assessments that can help you identify self-care needs and priorities. See the resources section below for a few examples.
- Set Clear, Realistic Goals: After identifying areas where you’d like to focus more on self-care, set a few clear and realistic goals. Aim for specific, manageable steps like "take a 10-minute walk each morning" or "connect with one friend or family member this week.”
- Prioritize Physical Health: Physical well-being is foundational to overall self-care. Incorporate regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep into your plan. Small actions like a daily walk, stretching, or joining a local exercise class can significantly benefit energy levels and mood.
- Nourish Your Mental Health: Mental wellness is just as important as physical health. Consider activities like meditation, mindfulness, journaling, or learning a new hobby to keep the mind active and engaged.
- Stay Connected Socially: Building or maintaining social connections can be particularly fulfilling. Set a goal to connect with friends or family regularly, whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits. Consider joining a community group or club that aligns with personal interests for added connection. There are many recreational activities available through Fairfax County’s Senior Centers. Learn more by visiting FairfaxCounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/senior-centers.
- Monitor and Celebrate Progress: Keep track of your self-care journey by recording your progress and celebrating small successes. Recognizing achievements can reinforce a positive routine and make self-care feel rewarding.
Have a Self-Care Plan for Emergencies
Having a self-care plan for emergency situations is also important. Identify effective coping strategies, trusted people you can reach out to, and comforting reminders to help ground yourself during a crisis. Identifying these ahead of time can help you navigate these emergency situations more smoothly.
Staying Committed to Self-Care
Keeping up with a self-care plan can sometimes feel challenging, but building small, consistent habits can make it a lasting part of your daily life. Start with simple goals, like dedicating just one minute each day to a self-care activity, and gradually build from there. You might also consider finding a “self-care buddy” – a friend or family member who can encourage you and help you stay accountable on your journey.
This year, prioritize your well-being with a strong commitment to nurturing yourself!
Helpful Resources
- socialwork.buffalo.edu/content/dam/socialwork/home/self-care-kit/self-care-assessment.pdf
- therapistaid.com/worksheets/self-care-assessment
- emergency.cdc.gov/coping/index.asp
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).