INSIDE DHS SELF-CARE, FEBRUARY 2015 - 11 WAYS (MUSIC PLAYS) Self-care begins with being kind to yourself. Here's 11 ways to start today. One, place a picture of a person or pet that you love on your desk. It boosts your mood. Two, be present and fully enjoy eating your lunch. Three, make eye contact and say hello as you pass people. Connecting lifts the spirits. Four, pause and take a deep breath every time you step outside. Five, give yourself a change of scenery; drive home a new way. Six, talk to someone you care about; tell them a good thing that happened to you today. Seven, cook yourself a nutritious dinner and pre-pack a serving for a delicious lunch tomorrow. Eight, listen to your favorite music as you relax in the bath or shower. Nine, prepare for tomorrow. A crisp outfit makes for a good day. Ten, set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier. Begin your morning at an easy pace without rushing. And eleven, don't stay up to get things done. Turn in early and think of eleven things you love about your life as you fall asleep. You can feel a little better every day with a lot of kindness and just a little time. Take time to take care. The Employee Assistance Program offers you six professional visits a year. They're cost-free and always confidential. (MUSIC PLAYS) (NO AUDIO) Employee Assistance Program Laree Reidenbaugh 405.522.6005 Rick Combs 405.522.8591