Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Spring 2021

There’s no question that 2020 was a hard year for many people. That’s why it’s important to care for your emotional health as well as your physical health. When you’re emotionally healthy, you feel good about yourself. You have good relationships. You’re aware of your emotions and know how to deal with them. You can cope with stress, anger, and sadness. You’re also not afraid to get help when you need it. Here are five tips for caring for your emotional health: 1. Look for the positive. Focus on what’s good in your life—and what’s good about you! Forgive yourself for your mistakes and remember the good things you’ve done. 2. Lower your stress levels. Stress impacts your mental and physical health. To help lower your stress levels, try to: Presbyterian Health Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 27489 Albuquerque, NM 87125-7489 www.phs.org Important plan information CC Standard U.S. Postage PAID Presbyterian Health Plan INSIDE Handwashing: Do it the right way 3 Don’t skip well-child visits 4 Your story Spring 2021 En español: Si usted desea obtener este boletín en español, llame al (505) 923-5200 o al 1-888-977-2333. If you or one of your loved ones is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the NewMexico Crisis and Access Line at 1-855-662-7474 ( 1-855-NMCRISIS ). Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; HelpGuide; National Institutes of Health ● Get regular exercise. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week. ● Find balance. Don’t forget to work and play. ● Try relaxation methods like yoga or deep breathing exercises. 3. Get good sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep is important for your mental health. Seven to nine hours a night is right for most adults. When you don’t get enough sleep, it affects your mood, energy, concentration, and ability to cope with stress. 4. Be mindful. This means being aware of what’s going on around you and accepting it without judgment. When you’re mindful, you live your life in the present. Being mindful takes practice. To get started: ● Inhale through your nose to a count of four, hold your breath for one second, then exhale through your mouth to a count of five. Repeat often. ● Go outside for a walk and take notice of all that’s around you. ● Read books or listen to podcasts on mindfulness. 5. Stay social. Our connections with others may help us live longer and healthier lives. Make time to visit with friends and family, even if the pandemic forces visits to be virtual. Care for your emotional health this year

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