Mind and Body: Gateway Credit Union Celebrates Self-Care Week 2025

Self-Care Week, runs from November 17th to November 24th. The annual initiative aims to highlight the crucial role self-care plays in maintaining everyone's physical and mental well-being.

This year's theme, "Mind and Body," perfectly captures the multifaceted nature of self-care, acknowledging that our needs vary and require different forms of attention. Prioritising self-care is an essential step toward supporting our overall health.

Here's some essential tips and advice to help you on your personal self-care journey:

1. Move Regularly

Movement is a powerful form of self-care. Even small bursts of physical activity—like a ten-minute brisk walk—can significantly boost your mood, increase energy, and improve mental alertness. Consistent movement helps you feel better about your body and enhances self-esteem.

• Action: Find time each day to move, whether it's a short walk, a game of football, or simple chair exercises.

2. Prioritise Quality Sleep

Getting good, restful sleep is fundamental to well-being. Quality sleep supports balanced emotions, focus, and concentration. Conversely, poor sleep can contribute to or worsen conditions like anxiety and depression.

• Action: Aim for the recommended 7–9 hours a night and create a peaceful, restful environment to maximise your rest.

3. Eat Well and Stay Hydrated

What we consume directly impacts how we feel, think, and behave. A balanced diet and good hydration are excellent forms of self-care that can dramatically improve your mood and overall sense of well-being. Don't forget the social element, either—sharing a meal at least once a week with friends or family offers significant emotional benefits.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a highly effective technique that helps you become fully present and engaged in the moment. It is invaluable for managing difficult thoughts, feelings, and supporting mental health.

• Action: Incorporate mindfulness techniques like meditation, focused breathing exercises, or yoga into your routine.

5. Make Time for Friends

While spending time alone is a vital element of self-care, social interaction is equally important. Friendship is crucial for protecting mental health; friends help us stay grounded, gain perspective on problems, and manage life's challenges.

• Action: Prioritise catch-ups, even brief ones, to maintain and nurture these vital connections.

6. Be Kind—Especially to Yourself

Research indicates that acts of kindness can help relieve stress. Crucially, practicing kindness toward ourselves boosts self-esteem and fosters feelings of optimism. This means recognising your achievements, big or small.

• Action: If you are struggling, avoid self-criticism. Tune out the voice of comparison, appreciate the small things you accomplish, and schedule 'me time' to do something you truly enjoy, like listening to music or a favourite podcast.

Gateway Credit Union is committed to the financial well-being of its members, recognising that financial health is an integral part of overall self-care.