Self-care is essential for our mental, physical, and emotional well-being. But it doesn’t have to be a solo journey or an isolated act. In fact, some of the most powerful forms of self-care come from socializing and being in the community.
Spending time with a friend, deepening a relationship with a neighbour, or showing up for others through volunteering all contribute meaningfully to our health and happiness. These acts of connection are more than kind gestures, they’re evidence-based ways to nurture our well-being. Even placing a little more time and attention on our relationships can bring meaningful change.
And let’s reframe the traditional image of self-care. It’s not just bubble baths or spa days (though those can be lovely too). Self-care is really about checking in with yourself and tuning in to what your mind and body need more often.
This International Self-Care Day, let’s think bigger and more creatively. Let’s explore ways we can bring more care, connection, and community into our lives. Small steps can lead to lasting impact. We’re highlighting three areas of focus that reflect this: community connection, sleep for older adults, and self-care for parents, caregivers and their families.
Community to Ease Isolation
Social connection is one of the strongest predictors of mental health and longevity. For older adults in particular, staying connected can help reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and physical illness.
More and more, healthcare providers are recognizing what community organizations have long known: connection is care. Social prescribing is also an innovative approach that aims to address the root causes of health concerns by connecting patients with non-medical resources in their communities. In Alberta, it’s gaining momentum as a powerful way to improve health outcomes, particularly for those experiencing social isolation. At Carya, we use the social prescribing method through programs like In Place.
Community connection doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest acts can have the most powerful impact. If you’re not sure where to start, try one of these ideas:
- Join Carya’s free programs offered weekly and monthly.
- Attend a local community event, even if it’s a little outside your comfort zone.
- Invite a neighbour for a coffee, tea, or a walk.
- Try a new activity. Pickleball is a big hit these days! Read more about its healing impact here.
- Join a drop-in board game session at Village Commons.
- Follow up with someone you had a great chat with recently. Connection grows with consistency.
- Strengthen family bonds — send a letter, make a call, or plan a visit with someone you care about.
Sleep for Older Adults
Sleep challenges are common with age, but quality rest is essential to healing, memory, and emotional resilience.[1] If sleep isn’t coming easily, you’re not alone. Here are some practical tips you can try:
- Keep a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
- Move your body regularly, ideally at the same time each day.
- Avoid screens and large meals before bed.
- Skip caffeine, alcohol, and naps in the late afternoon/evening.
- Try calming techniques like:
- Cognitive shuffling to quiet racing thoughts.[2]
- Body scanning to ease anxiety and improve sleep. [3]
- If you’re experiencing ongoing fatigue, talk to your healthcare provider or explore community resources that can help. Here are additional resources.[4]
There’s no need to try everything at once. Even one change can make a difference.
Self-Care for Parents, Caregivers, and Families
Whether you’re parenting young children, supporting a partner with mental health concerns, or caring for an aging family member, you are a caregiver, and your well-being matters. While caregiving can be deeply meaningful, it can also be physically and emotionally taxing.
We understand that finding time for yourself can feel impossible, but caring for your own well-being is not selfish. It is essential. That is why we offer a variety of programs designed to support caregivers and families. From parenting groups like Parent Chat, to early childhood programs like Parent–Child Mother Goose and Drop-In Play, these spaces foster connection, learning, and a sense of community. We also recognize that childcare responsibilities can make it harder to access support. That is why many of our programs include childminding so you can participate fully without added pressure.
Self-care doesn’t have to follow a routine or look a certain way. Some days, it’s a quiet moment. Other days, it’s reaching out or saying no. However it shows up for you, it counts. Here are a few small ways to check in with yourself:
- Add brief moments of movement to your day. Try our Family Zumba drop-in group this summer.
- When possible, limit caffeine and processed foods, and stay hydrated.
- Take part in something creative. Explore our art-based programs.
- Explore our food-based programs, where you can learn affordable, nutritious meal ideas while building confidence in the kitchen for yourself and your family. You can also join our summer drop-in offering, Taste and Try.
- Know your limits and respect them. Setting boundaries and saying no is an act of care too.
- Prioritize rest when you can, even in short moments.
- Pause regularly to check in on your emotional, physical, and mental well-being.
- Seek mental health support if you need it. You do not have to do this alone.
Even one intentional moment of care, taken once in a while, can help you feel more supported and resilient. Let’s begin there, together.
Self-Care Is Not Selfish. Its Strength.
This Self-Care Day, remember: self-care is not selfish, and it doesn’t need to be done alone or perfectly. Looking after our mental and physical well-being helps us show up as our best selves, which benefits our families, our neighbours, and our communities.