By Melissa Collins, Child Welfare Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates

With all of the uncertainty and stress as a result of these unprecedented times, it is so important to take time to care for ourselves. To help make this happen, Kentucky Youth Advocates and our partners at the Bounce Coalition are teaming up to launch the #TakeCareKY campaign to promote self-care throughout Kentucky. 

Next week, August 3rd – August 9th, both KYA and Bounce will offer an interactive social media self-care campaign. Each day, a new self-care tip will be posted to help create a holistic approach to caring for our minds, bodies, and souls. Be sure to get involved by showing off your self-care tips and tricks by using #TakeCareKY on social media. 

Remember, self-care is for all ages and looks different for everyone. We encourage everyone to take part and to take care of themselves, in whatever way that works for you!

What is self-care?

  • According to the World Health Organization: 
    • Self-care is “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider.”
    • Self-care encompasses a wide range of areas including: hygiene (general and personal), nutrition (type and quality of food eaten), lifestyle (sporting activities, leisure, etc.), environmental factors (living conditions, social habits, etc.) socio-economic factors (income level, cultural beliefs, etc.) and self-medication.

Why does self-care matter?

  • Self-care promotes overall well-being and lessens the likelihood of lifestyle diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and diabetes.
  • Practicing self-care is a great way to help decrease health risks that may result from the trauma of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). 
  • Simple self-care practices can help individuals lead longer healthier lives while simultaneously placing less strain on health services.

Be on the lookout for some great self-care tips and how to #TakeCareKY! Follow KYA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and Bounce on Facebook and Twitter.

This post is part of the blog series, Intern Insights.