We can all look after our own and our family’s health and wellbeing by making self-care a priority and following the basics to live a healthier and happier life.

Self-care means taking care of yourself so that you can be healthy and well and look after those around you.

Practising self-care not only benefits the short term but our long-term health too and is essential for looking after our mind and body. Here are some simple self-care basics to keep you and your family healthy:
 

Maintaining vitamin D levels

Vitamin D keeps our bones, teeth, and muscles strong. Between March and October, sunlight provides us with our daily dosage of vitamin D, but during the autumn and winter months, we’re advised to take vitamin D supplements to ensure we stay healthy. Read more on vitamin D.
 

Having good lifestyle habits

Eating nutritious food and doing regular exercise benefits our mental and physical health. We are recommended to do at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week to gain the health benefits from exercise.

If you need some support to build better, healthier lifestyle habits, LiveWell Dorset can help. Whether you want to start moving more, manage your weight, reduce drinking, or stop smoking, LiveWell Dorset can support you to make positive changes. For more information call 0800 840 1628 or visit www.livewelldorset.co.uk.
 

Staying connected with others

To reduce feelings of loneliness, it’s vital to keep connected with friends, family, neighbours, and colleagues. Connecting with others can lower feelings of anxiety, help us process emotions and look after our mental and physical wellbeing.

Try to set aside time to give a friend a call or meet up for a walk and talk. To meet and connect with new people you can always join a new local group.
 

Getting out in nature

Being outdoors in nature can help us feel calm, joy, and increase our creativity and concentration – and it can also help reduce blood pressure. Connecting with nature is one of the most accessible ways to support good mental health.

Going for a walk, planting and growing fruit and vegetables or volunteering at your local green space are some simple ways to help you connect with nature on a daily basis.
 

Keeping protected with your vaccinations

Vaccinations help us stay protected from many infectious diseases and can also protect other people in your family and community who cannot have vaccines by reducing the chance of diseases to spread.

If you are eligible, it’s best to take up the offer of getting both flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help you stay well through the winter months. If you know someone who is most at risk of getting seriously ill or who is likely to pass flu to other people at risk, please urge them to book their vaccines to protect themselves and others. Check if you are eligible and how to book your vaccines on Dorset HealthCare's website.
 

Using the right service when you need help

Following NHS advice and using the right service when you need help will ensure you stay well. Make sure you and your family are familiarised with NHS services and where to go for the right support:

• Think NHS 111 first if you need medical help and advice
• Visit your local pharmacy for medication advice if you have a minor illness
• Call your GP if you need health advice
• You should only call 999 in a genuine, life-threatening emergency