National Self-Care Awareness Month

Special To The Eagle Times
CLAREMONT, N.H. — Who doesn’t love a new beginning?

Just as Jan. 1 signifies the start of a new year, starting any new endeavor can cause quite a bit of stress. As a result, self-care becomes low on the priority list.

This September, Turning Points Network (TPN) of Sullivan County celebrates National Self-Care Awareness Month, urging individuals to take stock of life’s stressors to evaluate how to coexist with them. In the case of unhealthy relationships, try to deal with the problem, including any signs of abuse or harmful behaviors.

Self-care can be a plethora of things but particularly focuses on well-being in mind.

This can range from starting a new exercise routine to setting important boundaries. Healthy boundaries define what is appropriate in relationships; what keeps everyone safe and feeling respected. Setting these boundaries is critical for both self-care and healthy relationships.

Boundaries vary from person to person, and they can be different based on culture, personality, and social context. School or work boundaries may be different from those at home, or at a birthday party with close friends. Setting clear boundaries and communicating about them with others not only strengthens relationships but is an important part of self-care.

The TPN website offers a quiz to help reality-check relationships or friendships.

Some of the questions include: Does your partner respect you, your ideas, your alone time, and your decisions? Do you feel good about your relationship most of the time? If you’re not sure or if a pattern of possessive or harmful behavior is occurring, ask a trusted adult or friend to help you get support. TPN is always available with its hotline at (800) 639-3130.

OUR TURN is a public service series by TPN serving all of Sullivan County with offices in Claremont and Newport. The series provides wraparound support for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and sex trafficking. Violence-prevention education programs are also taught in local schools.

Self-care is also a way to do more good in the world. Think of it this way: when individuals have the tools to take care of themselves and live a life that feels good and uplifting, they can better show up for the community, relationships, and social causes.

As the days cool down and autumn arrives, slow down and take stock.

For more than 40 years, TPN has helped people of all ages move from the darkness of abuse toward the light of respect, healing, and hope. For more information, visit turningpointsnetwork.org.