Gema Ramos, RN, Care Services Coordinator
ALS United Greater Chicago
Self-care means taking care of oneself emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically. For people living with ALS, the journey brings many changes and challenges. Unfortunately, self-care is often the first thing taken for granted in challenging situations. However, engaging in regular self-care routines has been clinically proven to decrease or eliminate anxiety and depression, lower stress, reduce frustration and anger, increase happiness, and increase energy.
As ALS progresses, it often becomes more difficult for individuals living with ALS to leave their home. To support your well-being, below are examples of types of self-care at home.
Emotional Self-Care
- Call or video call a loved one, family member, or friend
- Journal
- Listen to music
- Watch something that suits the mood (or the opposite and changes it)
- Hug a loved one, family member, or friend
Mental/Intellectual Self-Care
- Read or listen to a book in your favorite genre
- Watch documentaries
- Complete puzzles
- Practice mindfulness
Spiritual Self-Care
- Practice meditation
- Pray or look to your higher power for support
- Watch your preferred religious service online
Physical Self-Care
- Perform PT/OT recommended exercises or range of motion (ROM) exercises
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep
- Take a nap
- Get grooming and relaxation at home by hiring a mobile hairstylist, barber, or nail technician
- DashSytlists list local hairdressers, barbers, and nail technicians: dash-stylists.com
- Treat yourself to a massage – ask a loved one or family member for a massage or hire a massage therapist that comes to the home:
- The American Massage Therapy Association search page provides lists of local massage therapists who do home therapy based on zip code. It also allows the selection of “neuromuscular” massage: amtamassage.org/find-massage-therapist
Engaging in self-care daily at home can help you improve your overall well-being. Make time for yourself, you deserve it. 🙂
Reference: snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/health/what-is-self-care.