Last month, advocates and professionals around the state honored World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Now as we come into these hot summer months, VCPEA wants to remind you to take some time for yourself.

Self-care is not only essential for your own physical and mental well-being but also for your clients and those around you. As activist Audre Lorde wrote “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation."

• Be Active: Studies have proven that exercise is valuable for our physical and mental well-being. It helps us better manage stress and improves our mood. Yoga, hiking, swimming, and even dancing are great forms of exercise!

• Stay Connected: Staying connected with friends and family (or even a pet!) has been proven to reduce stress levels and boost overall happiness. Make sure to set aside some quality time this summer to be with those you care about.

• Be Creative: Creativity comes in all forms, from music, painting, dance, crafting, and more. Creativity has been shown to reduce stress levels and help with memory!

• Be Kind to Yourself: As individuals in the helping profession, we are all very good at being kind and supportive to others. Make sure to practice that same level of compassion for yourself.