Self-Care Strategies: Connect with Supportive People

This is the first in a series of Wellness Wednesday posts, where we offer strategies, resources, and reminders for self-care for the people of Mariposa County. We're going to keep these posts short and easy to read.

You've probably heard, "You can't pour from an empty cup." We found this great article with a guide for making sure that you remember to...

• Focus on the filling

• Be patient with how long filling may take

• Give from the overflow.

Social connectedness is vital to human health and wellbeing. Paying attention to your own social connections is a great first step in self-care.

Here are some prompts to help you identify the supportive people in your life, or find some new ones.

What people uplift and inspire you?

Who are you spending time with when you're doing the things you enjoy?

Do the things you love to do and meet the people doing those things too!

What local activities are happening that you could participate in?

Or maybe you'd feel more comfortable going out of town.

Is there a support group in the area? Or a group working on a community project?

Maybe you could start one!

Have you thought about therapy or counseling?

Do you have an Elder or spiritual leader who could give good counsel?

Some people are blessed with many family members and friends who provide the supportive connection they need. Some people are naturally social. Others are not.

The good news is that the quantity of people you connect with is not what is important. The quality of the mutually supportive connection is what matters. Having just one or two people you can connect with can be plenty.