A starter’s guide to self-care.

A starter’s guide to self-care

As a Generations Advantage member, you already know how important it is to be proactive about your health. But self-care isn’t just about doctor visits—it’s about daily habits that help you feel your best. Here’s a breakdown of simple strategies to care for your physical, emotional, and social well-being—at any age.

Physical self-care

Staying active, getting enough rest, and keeping preventive care up to date can help you maintain independence and mobility. Take advantage of your $0 Annual Wellness Visit and free preventive screenings to stay ahead.

• Walk more. Add steps each day and work toward a goal of 150 minutes of movement per week.
• Track your sleep. Monitor how well and how long you sleep each night. Adjust your environment or habits if needed to aim for at least seven hours.
• Check in on checkups. Schedule overdue screenings, dental exams, or vaccinations through your provider or portal.

Mental, spiritual, and emotional self-care

As life changes, so do emotional needs. Spending time outdoors, keeping your mind engaged, or journaling can provide clarity and reduce stress. Your Generations Advantage plan also covers many behavioral health services if you need more support.

• Spend more time in nature. Enjoy a walk, tend a garden, or relax in a favorite green space to refresh your mood.
• Add daily breathing exercises. Breathing techniques help calm the mind and body—great tools during moments of stress or sleeplessness.
• Journal. Reflecting on your day and emotions in writing can reduce mental clutter and boost resilience.

Social self-care

Connection is powerful. Whether it’s a group chair yoga class, phone calls with friends, or volunteering in your community, nurturing relationships supports long-term health.

• Group yoga. Try an in-person or online chair yoga session to stay active and engaged. Martin’s Point offers free Senior Chair Yoga classes twice a week.
• Community service. Whether it’s reading to children or helping at food banks, giving back lifts spirits and builds community.
• Maximize small moments. Chat with your pharmacist, ask your provider how their day is going—these brief exchanges add warmth to your day.

Getting started

With so many forms of self-care, it’s okay to start small. Think about what’s causing the most stress right now, and take one action to reduce it. Your care team is here to support your journey—and remind you not to trade sleep for self-care. Rest is care, too.