September is Self-Care Awareness Month
A whole-person approach to self-care
by Wendy Pecoraro, MSN, APRN
It quickly became apparent that our hospital lacked the proper program to support the wellbeing of our staff, and the patients I cared for could benefit from lifestyle intervention long before they came in to see me. Through 2015, I implemented two successful pilot programs of a whole person approach to mindful eating, gentle but consistent exercise, and stress reduction and mindfulness, which inspired me to follow my dream of joining an integrative healthcare practice.
I had patients in the wellness program, and still have some today, who come back to me reluctant. They’re worried that I’m going to judge them for their lack of follow-through. I’ve tried multiple shame-based programs in my life. I know they don’t work. The data shows they don’t work. Support, mindful eating, play, creativity, enjoyable movement, acceptance and knowledge about food, and cooking do work. Love, of self and others, works. I’ve found the keys to my self-love practice and I know for sure that my life flows so much better when I honor them.
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